Middle Adulthood in the Palestinian Diaspora

Middle adulthood is a complex and diverse period of the human lifespan, and varies significantly across cultures and regions of the world. Middle age is generally defined as the period between early adulthood and old age, and typically encompasses the years between ages 40 and 65. During this stage of life, individuals often face a range of unique challenges and opportunities related to family, work, and health. In many parts of the world, middle age is a time of significant life transitions, including caring for aging parents, raising children, and establishing oneself in a career or profession. At the same time, middle age is also a period of personal growth and reflection, as individuals begin to reassess their goals and priorities, and may pursue new hobbies, interests, or forms of personal fulfillment. Across cultures and regions, middle age is characterized by a range of physical, social, and psychological changes, which can shape individuals' experiences and perceptions of this period of life. Understanding the diversity of experiences and challenges faced by individuals in middle age is critical for developing effective interventions and supports to promote health and well-being in this population.

Despite the ongoing impact of trauma, many Palestinians in middle adulthood may have developed a sense of resilience and may have found ways to cope and make meaning of their experiences. They may have taken steps towards managing their trauma and may feel a sense of agency and empowerment (Afana, 2020). Studies have found that Palestinian individuals in the diaspora may utilize various coping mechanisms to manage their trauma, including seeking social support, engaging in cultural activities, and engaging in religious practices (Abu-Rayya & Abu-Rayya, 2019; Srouji et al., 2018). In some cases, individuals may also engage in political activism as a way to cope with their trauma and reclaim their sense of agency (Afana, 2020). Through these coping mechanisms, many Palestinian individuals in middle adulthood may find a sense of meaning and purpose in their lives.

For Palestinian individuals in middle adulthood, the effects of generational trauma can persist in profound ways. Despite having faced the challenges of conflict and trauma over a lifetime, many Palestinians living in the diaspora in middle age still feel a deep connection to their cultural heritage and may struggle with feelings of alienation and marginalization from the wider society (Minni, 2019). They may continue to experience difficulties in forming and maintaining healthy relationships, both personal and professional, and may struggle with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (Srouji et al., 2018). Discrimination and prejudice can still play a major role in the lives of Palestinian individuals living in the diaspora (Afana, 2020). They may still feel anger and resentment towards authority figures and may struggle with trust issues. The lingering effects of trauma can continue to impact their physical and mental health, and may make it difficult for them to maintain a healthy work-life balance (Srouji et al., 2018).

Despite the challenges they face, many Palestinian individuals in middle adulthood may find strength and support through their cultural identity and community. They may still feel a strong connection to their cultural heritage and may still struggle with feelings of hopelessness and powerlessness in regards to the ongoing occupation of Palestine (Minni, 2019). However, through their experiences in the diaspora, they may have developed a sense of agency and empowerment in preserving and promoting their cultural traditions and legacy. In some cases, they may be passing on their cultural heritage and traditions to their children and may be working to ensure that their cultural legacy continues (Abu-Rayya & Abu-Rayya, 2019). Through these experiences, they may be strengthening their sense of identity and community and finding meaning and purpose in their lives.

References:

Abu-Rayya, H. M., & Abu-Rayya, M. H. (2019). Promoting Cultural Continuity: Resilience and Coping Among Palestinian Adults. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 50(9), 1133–1153. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022022119860885

Afana, A. H. (2020). Reclaiming agency and resilience: Palestinian women's activism in the diaspora. Women's Studies International Forum, 78, 102345. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wsif.2019.10234

Minni, C. (2019). Intergenerational Trauma and Palestinian Identity: An Exploration of the Lived Experiences of Palestinian-Americans in the San Francisco Bay Area. Journal of Palestine Studies, 48(3), 31–46. https://doi.org/10.1525/jps.2019.48.3.31

Srouji, H., Obeid, N., & Jabr, F. (2018). PTSD, depression, and anxiety among Palestinian women in the aftermath of the 2014 Israeli assault on Gaza: A case–control study. Journal of Women & Health, 57(3), 368–377. https://doi.org/10.1080/03630242.2017.1342367