A Mixed-Methods Study: The Role of Faith in Druze Facing Child Loss

This mixed-method study explored the psychological impact of the July 27, 2024 tragedy in which 12 children were killed (The Iron Swords War), on bereaved Druze families, examining the roles of faith and community support in coping with loss. A sample of 213 participants answered quantitative measures assessed trauma symptoms, religious belief, and perceived social support, while a subset of 12 participants who were direct victims of the tragedy answered semi-structured interviews, created Kinetic Family Drawings and a narrative to the drawing. Quantitative results showed that direct victims reported significantly higher psychological distress than non-direct community members, while stronger religious belief and perceived social support were associated with lower distress levels. The belief that the soul’s journey shaped by responses to life’s trials moderated the psychological distress and religious commitment (p <.05). Qualitative results of the interviews and drawings showed themes: namely, (1) Deep pain of loss and longing for the deceased son or daughter, (2) The role of community and faith as sources of support and anchoring, and (3) The divine meaning assigned to the loss. Findings highlight the centrality of faith, particularly beliefs in divine will and reincarnation, in framing the loss as meaningful and preordained. Community solidarity emerged as a critical buffer, offering both emotional containment and practical support. Visual expressions, such as family drawings, revealed symbolic representations of grief, and spiritual anchoring. The study underscores the value of culturally sensitive, integrative approaches to trauma research and intervention in minority communities, emphasizing the potential of insider research to foster both knowledge and healing.