Symptoms of adjustment disorder during social unrest: The role of varied stances in Israel's sociopolitical climate

Background: Civil unrest related to political change can have detrimental effects on the mental health of the population. This study investigated probable Adjustment Disorder (AjD) among individuals with different attitudes in the context of a highly controversial judicial reform in Israel. The relationships between AjD symptoms across three groups were explored: those who support the proposed changes, others who oppose them, and those who adopt a neutral stance. Methods: This study was conducted with a nationally representative sample of Israeli adults (n = 1999). A Symptoms Network analysis of AjD was performed using the International Adjustment Disorder Questionnaire, examining groups with different levels of social unrest engagement. Results: Participants actively opposing the judicial reform reported higher levels of probable AjD compared to neutral participants and those in favor of the reform. Similarly, neutral participants reported higher levels of probable AjD than those in favor of the reform. The network structure of AjD was similar across the three groups. Item five (“difficult to relax/feel calm since the social unrest”) was the node with the highest strength centrality in all networks. Limitations: This study utilized cross-sectional methodology and self-report measures. Conclusions: Mental health needs should be actively addressed by policymakers and mental health professionals during social unrest, regardless of political stance. The high rates of probable AjD and the similarity in the structure of AjD across the groups suggest common underlying mechanisms and a significant adjustment crisis in a large portion of the population following social unrest.