The Psychiatric Impact of Terror Attacks: Proximity and Evacuation in Communities Experiencing Mass Trauma

Background Geographic proximity to terrorist attacks can amplify emotional responses and heighten perceptions of risk. However, studies, including those conducted after 9/11, have reported mixed findings across different demographic groups. Objective This study examines psychological distress among residents of communities directly affected by the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, with a focus on the roles of proximity and evacuation. Method An online survey was conducted with 91 evacuated Israeli residents to assess levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among evacuees from northern, southern, and central regions of Israel. Additionally, participants answered three open-ended questions about their emotional, social, and practical coping after the October 7th attack. Results The results indicated significantly higher psychological distress among southern residents with personal proximity to the attack compared to those from more remote communities. While both central and northern groups were geographically distant from the terror site, depression levels were notably elevated among northern residents, likely influenced by the evacuation process. Conclusions These findings highlight the necessity of region-specific mental health interventions as part of post-terrorism recovery efforts.