Objective: The present study sought to develop a coping model for the psychological trauma associated with the twelve-day Iran–Israel war within Imam Ali (AS) Officer Cadet University, considering trauma as a complex, multifaceted, and multidimensional phenomenon that affects individuals across cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and social domains.
Methodology: This study was applied in purpose and descriptive–exploratory in nature, using a qualitative thematic analysis approach. The study population consisted of experts, faculty members, and military commanders at Imam Ali Military University who were present during the 12-day war. Data were collected through document review and semi-structured interviews. Using purposeful sampling, 16 experts in psychology, educational sciences, and sociology were interviewed until theoretical saturation was achieved. The interview data were analyzed through thematic analysis, and the extracted themes and components were integrated into a conceptual model for coping with psychological trauma following the 12-day war. Data coding and management were conducted using MAXQDA software.
Findings: The findings showed that the extracted model consisted of seven main dimensions, twenty organizing components, and 142 open codes. The main dimensions included lived experience, mood and anxiety disorders, individual and collective strategies, task-oriented strategies, focused coping, and barriers and shortcomings.
Originality: The findings showed that, in military settings, a substantial proportion of psychological trauma arises not only from direct exposure to the battlefield but also from cognitive warfare, the widespread dissemination of information, and media-based threats. Task-oriented coping strategies, organizational support, and spiritual coping were identified as key factors in mitigating its psychological consequences