The Subjective Experiences and Reactions of Kindergarten Children during and after a Period of Continuous Missile Attacks

Abstract

The current study focused on kindergarten children's coping strategies after trauma and PTSD resulting from exposure to emergency situations during the summer of 2014, when their town was under continuous missile attacks, in the south west part of Israel near the Gaza Strip. The study explored children's trauma by interviewing 150 kindergarten children (ages 4-6). We sought to present the children's voice and understand their point of view, their subjective experiences, and their ways of coping with traumatic situations. The interviews revealed that during and following the period of continuous missile attacks, the participants experienced fear and panic caused mainly by the strong and surprising noise of the alarm sirens, as well as difficulty sleeping. Engaging in activities, such as racing to and playing in the shelter, helped them cope with the fear. Furthermore, the presence of caregiving adults who provided calming information and emotional support helped the children's ability to cope with their anxiety.