Coping in Conflict Zones: A Model Integrating Mindfulness, Yoga, and Support Groups

Abstract

This study examines the effectiveness of an integrative workshop model that combines support groups, yoga, and mindfulness practices to manage stress among university students in Israel. The research spans two consecutive academic years, allowing for a unique comparison: one year during an active war and another year without direct conflict, though the students continued living in a region characterized by constant tension. This contrast provides an opportunity to explore the workshop’s impact under both acute wartime stress and ongoing, chronic stress in a conflict zone. Twenty interviews were conducted with female undergraduates who participated in the year-long workshop, which aimed to provide holistic coping mechanisms for both everyday stressors and the heightened anxiety caused by the conflict environment. The findings revealed that while each component of the workshop—support group, yoga, and mindfulness—individually contributed to stress reduction, the integrative model produced a synergistic effect that significantly enhanced the participants’ overall ability to manage stress. Participants reported improved emotional regulation, physical well-being, and a sense of community support. Many expressed a desire to share the tools they had acquired with others, highlighting the lasting impact of the workshop. These findings suggest the potential benefits of implementing similar workshops in universities and other settings, particularly in regions affected by war and conflict.