Empathy in Youth During War: Understanding the Hidden Mental Health Risks
Explore how empathy, a vital trait, can become a hidden mental health risk for young people during war, based on a decade-long study in Israel highlighting the importance of tailored psychological support.
Recent research from Hebrew University highlights a complex aspect of empathy, showing how this compassionate trait can become a vulnerability for young people in war zones. The study, titled "Empathy as a risk factor for internalizing symptoms during war: A 10-year prospective study from toddlerhood to adolescence," monitored children over a decade, from early childhood to adolescence, to investigate how empathy influences mental health outcomes. Conducted by Ph.D. student Dana Katsoty, Professor Ariel Knafo-Noam, and Dr. Lior Abramson, the study found that children who exhibited higher emotional resonance with others' suffering—traditionally viewed as a positive trait—were more prone to anxiety and depression during the Israel–Hamas conflict following October 7th.
Katsoty emphasized that while nurturing empathy is crucial, it may pose emotional risks during ongoing mass trauma, making it vital to support vulnerable youth appropriately. The study revealed that early markers of empathy did not predict mental health issues during peaceful times but became significant during periods of war. Even in less affected areas like Jerusalem, a substantial proportion of adolescents showed elevated anxiety (31%) and depression (23%) symptoms during the conflict.
A key insight was that empathy, not general negative emotions, contributed specifically to mental health struggles, especially as children absorbed suffering through media, conversations, and social interactions. This suggests that highly empathetic children may internalize pain more intensely, raising their risk for psychological issues.
The findings underscore the importance of targeted mental health interventions for young people in conflict zones, particularly those most emotionally sensitive. Psychologists note that understanding the dual role of empathy can help identify at-risk youth and develop better support strategies. The study supports a diathesis-stress model, indicating that vulnerabilities like heightened empathy can remain dormant until triggered by extreme circumstances.
For further details, see the full study by Katsoty et al., published in Development and Psychopathology (2025). Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-empathy-edged-sword-reveals-hidden.html
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