ד"ר ורה סקבירסקי

Book Chapters

Taubman – Ben-Ari, O., & Skvirsky, V. (2019). The Terror Management underpinnings of risky behavior. In C. Routladge & M. Vess, (Eds.), Handbook of Terror Management Theory. Elsevier.

Skvirsky, V., & Taubman – Ben-Ari, O. (2019). In pursuit of parenthood: The highs and lows of fertility treatment. In O. Taubman – Ben-Ari (Ed.), Pathways and barriers to the transition to parenthood – Existential concerns regarding fertility, pregnancy, and early parenthood. Springer.

Articles in Periodicals

Skvirsky, V., Lifshin, U., Shmulewitz, D., & Mikulincer, M. (2026) Prevalence of addictive use of cosmetic procedures and risk factors among Israeli women. Journal of Health Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1177/13591053261444719

Lifshin, U., Bonny-Noach, H., Skvirsky, V., Shmulewitz, D., Vider, M., Kor, A., ... & Mikulincer, M. (2026). Gambling in the shadow of war: Evidence of increased problem gambling for men with difficulties in emotional regulation during a mass trauma. Journal of Gambling Studies, 42, 219-233. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-025-10417-8

Levin, Y., Shmulewitz, D., Skvirsky, V., Vider, M., Kor, A., Lev-Ran, S., & Mikulincer, M. (2026). Longitudinal PTSD trajectories before and after the October 7, 2023, terror attacks: A nationwide study of Israeli adults. European Psychiatry, 69(1), e13. https://doi.org/10.1192/j.eurpsy.2025.10130

Efrati, Y., Shmulewitz, D., Skvirsky, V., Vider, M., Kor, A., Lev-Ran, S., & Mikulincer, M. (2026). Longitudinal study of probable compulsive sexual behavior disorder and problematic pornography use profiles: Their prospective impact on psychopathology during wartime. Addictive Behaviors, 175, 108589. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108589

Gliksberg, O., Shmulewitz, D., Skvirsky, V., Levitin, M. D., Feingold, D., Kor, A., ... & Mikulincer, M. (2026). Problematic cannabis use and attachment insecurities as Joint predictors of Depression: Cross-Sectional and longitudinal models. Addictive Behaviors, 175, 108604. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2026.108604

Szepsenwol, O., Shmulewitz, D., Svirksky, V., & Mikulincer, M. (2026). Associations between early-life unpredictability and mental health during the Israel-Hamas war. Journal of Affective Disorders, 401, 121249. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2026.121249

Levitin, M. D., Shmulewitz, D., Levine, E., Skvirsky, V., Lev-Ran, S., Kor, A., & Mikulincer, M. (2026). The unique contributions of adverse childhood experiences to increases in post-traumatic stress symptoms and problematic substance use after trauma exposure. Scientific Reports, 16, 6870. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-37883-3

Rubin, G., Lifshin, U., Skvirsky, V., Ankri, Y., Shmulewitz, D., Levitin, M., ... & Mikulincer, M. (2026). Substance and behavioral addictions among evacuees: Findings from Israeli swords of Iron War. Stress and Health, 42(2), e70155. https://doi.org/10.1002/smi.70155

Gliksberg, O., Lifshin, U., Ankri, Y., Skvirsky, V., Shmulewitz, D., Levitin, M., ... & Mikulincer, M. (2026). Meaning in life and the mental health-addiction spiral: Testing a unifying model. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 17, 1777424. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1777424

Shmulewitz, D., Levitin, M. D., Skvirsky, V., Vider, M., Lev-Ran, S., & Mikulincer, M. (2025). Exposure to online hate speech is positively associated with post-traumatic stress disorder symptom severity. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 29869. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-16168-1

Eliashar, R., Zilberstein, T., Shmulewitz, D., Skvirsky, V., Vider, M., & Lev-Ran, S. (2024). Reported increase in substance use following mass terrorism and the role of psychosocial factors. JAMA Network Open, 7(7), e2423993-e2423993. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.23993

Shmulewitz, D., Levitin, M. D., Skvirsky, V., Vider, M., Eliashar, R., Mikulincer, M., & Lev-Ran, S. (2024). Comorbidity of problematic substance use and other addictive behaviors and anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder: A network analysis. Psychological Medicine, 54(16), 4635-4645. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291724002794

Skvirsky, V., Taubman–Ben-Ari, O., Azuri, J., Weissman, A., & Horowitz, E. (2023). Mental health of pregnant women with a background of fertility problems: The contribution of meaning in life and cognitive appraisal. Current Psychology, 42(28), 24464-24473. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-022-03565-2

Pinchover, S., Berger-Raanan, R., Yaari, M., Rudolf, M., Rubin, L., Idan-Prusak, D., Skvirsky, V., Margolin, T., & Gadassi, H. (2023). “I’m 'just' a community pediatrician”. Views and challenges of pediatricians working in the community in Israel. Israel Journal of Health Policy Research, 12(1), 12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13584-023-00563-y

Skvirsky, V., Taubman - Ben-Ari, O., & Horowitz, E. (2022). Mothers’ experience of their daughters’ fertility problems and treatments. Journal of Family Psychology. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/fam0000956

Taubman–Ben-Ari, O., Chasson, M., Erel-Brodsky, H., Abu-Sharkia, S., Skvirsky, V., & Horowitz, E. (2022). Contributors to COVID-19-related childbirth anxiety among pregnant women in two pandemic waves. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(1), 110. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010110

Skvirsky, V., Taubman – Ben-Ari, O., Hollins-Martin, C. J., & Martin, C. R. (2020). Validation of the Hebrew Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R) and its relationship to perceived traumatic labour. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 38(2), 214-220. https://doi.org/10.1080/02646838.2019.1600666

Ben Shlomo, S., Taubman – Ben-Ari, O., Skvirsky, V., Azuri, J., & Horowitz, E. (2019). Subjective well-being of women at the beginning of fertility treatment: The role of medical variables, attachment orientation and supportive relationship with the mother. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 37(4), 358-369. https://doi.org/10.1080/02646838.2019.1578867

Skvirsky, V., Taubman – Ben-Ari, O., Ben Shlomo, S., Azuri, J., & Horowitz, E. (2019). Contributors to women’s perceived stress at the start of Assisted Reproductive Technology. The Journal of Psychology: Interdisciplinary and Applied. 153(1), 23-36. https://doi.org/10.1080/00223980.2018.1471037

Taubman – Ben-Ari, O., Skvirsky, V., Straus, T., & Morag, I. (2019). Pre-term delivery, optimism and initial personal growth as predictors of mothers’ long-term personal growth. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 37(3), 277-289. https://doi.org/10.1080/02646838.2018.1554245

Taubman – Ben-Ari, O., Skvirsky, V., Bar Shua, E., & Horowitz, E. (2018). Personal growth of new fathers following assisted reproductive technology or spontaneous pregnancy. Parenting: Science and Practice, 18(3), 190-199. https://doi.org/10.1080/15295192.2018.1465306

Skvirsky, V., Taubman – Ben-Ari, O., Ben Shlomo, S., Azuri, J., & Horowitz, E. (2018). Are mothers a source of support for women entering fertility treatment?. Health Care for Women International, 39(7), 719-733. https://doi.org/10.1080/07399332.2018.1424170

Taubman – Ben-Ari, O., Skvirsky, V., Greenbury, T.J., & Prato, C. (2018). Explaining risks behind the wheel – Comparing Israeli and Queensland young drivers. Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour, 58, 184-192. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trf.2018.05.005

Ben Shlomo, S., Skvirsky, V., Taubman – Ben-Ari, O., Azuri, J., & Horowitz, E. (2017). Mental health of women entering fertility treatment: What role do age and internal resources play?. Stress & Health, 33(4), 470-476. https://doi.org/10.1002/smi.2733

Skvirsky, V., Taubman – Ben-Ari, O., Greenbury, T.J., & Prato, C.G. (2017). Contributors to young drivers’ driving styles – A comparison between Israel and Queensland. Accident Analysis and Prevention, 109, 47-54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aap.2017.08.031

Taubman – Ben-Ari, O., Skvirsky, V., Bar Shua, E., & Horowitz, E. (2017). Satisfaction in life among fathers following fertility treatment. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 35(4), 334-341. https://doi.org/10.1080/02646838.2017.1342787

Taubman – Ben-Ari, O., & Skvirsky, V. (2016). The Multidimensional Driving Style Inventory a decade later: Review of the literature and re-evaluation of the scale. Accident Analysis and Prevention, 93, 179-188. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aap.2016.04.038

Non-Refereed Publications

Scientific Reports

Shmulewitz, D., Levitin, M. D., Skvirsky, V., Vider, M., Lev-Ran, S., & Mikulincer, M. (2025). Prevalence of substance and behavioral addictions and common mental health disorders in Israel, 2022-2025. Israel Center for Addiction and Mental Health (ICAMH). Retrieved from www.icamh.org.il/publications/internal-report-icamh-2025-prevalence-of-substance-and-behavioral-addictions-and-common-mental-health-disorders-in-israel-2022-2025/ 

Findler, L., Vinokur, M., Skvirsky, V., Rakabi, N., & Yonis, S. (2019). Pity towards persons with a disability among animals assisted therapists and social workers. The Therapeutic Riding and Dog Training NPO, Tel Mond, Israel (Hebrew).

Findler, L., Zvidat, S.F., Racabi, N., & Skvirsky, V. (2017). Mothers and grandmothers in families of children with and without developmental disabilities in Arab society. Keren Shalem (Hebrew).

Papers Presented at Scientific Conferences

Skvirsky, V., Lifshin, U., Mikulincer, M., & Lev-Ran, S., (2025). "Alcohol and sedative use in light of traumatic exposure to the events of October 7 in the city of Ofakim: The importance of community resilience and social support. Conference on Mental Health in Times of War, Jerusalem, Israel.

Skvirsky, V., & Taubman – Ben-Ari, O. (2019). Experiences and perceptions of mothers whose daughters underwent fertility treatment on their journey to motherhood. 39th Annual Society for Reproduction and Infant Psychology (SRIP) Conference, London, UK.

Skvirsky, V. (2018). Motivation to parenthood and personal growth as contributors to new mothers' presence of meaning in life. 38th Annual Society for Reproduction and Infant Psychology (SRIP) Conference, Lodz, Poland.

Skvirsky, V., & Taubman – Ben-Ari, O. (2018). "In pursuit of parenthood: The highs and lows of fertility treatment." Pathways and Barriers to the Transition to Parenthood – Existential Concerns Regarding Fertility, Pregnancy, and Early Parenthood, Ramat Gan, Israel.

Ben Shlomo, S., Taubman – Ben-Ari, O., & Skvirsky, V. (2017). "The desire for children – The role of diverse motivations for parenthood and the sense of meaning in life." 37th Annual Society for Reproduction and Infant Psychology (SRIP) Conference, York, England.

Skvirsky, V., Taubman – Ben-Ari, O., Ben Shlomo, S., Azuri, J., & Horowitz, E. (2017). "The contribution of meaning in life, attachment style, and self-disclosure to the perceived stress of women at the start of fertility treatment." Conference of Social Work Doctoral Candidates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.

Skvirsky, V., Taubman – Ben-Ari, O., Ben Shlomo, S., Azuri, J., & Horowitz, E. (2017). "Does maternal support serve as a resource for women entering fertility treatment?" 7th Women’s Mental Health Conference, Dublin, Ireland.

Taubman – Ben-Ari, O., Skvirsky, V., Bar Shua, E., & Horowitz, E. (2017). "Which factors contribute to fathers’ satisfaction in life following fertility treatment?" ISSID, Warsaw, Poland.

Taubman – Ben-Ari, O., Skvirsky, V., Greenbury, T.J., & Prato, C. (2017). "Explaining risks behind the wheel – Comparing Israeli and Queensland young drivers." RSS2017, The Hague, The Netherlands.

Taubman – Ben-Ari, O., Skvirsky, V., Strauss, T., & Morag, I. (2017). "Predicting mothers’ long-term personal growth: The contribution of pre-term delivery, optimism, and initial personal growth." 7th Women’s Mental Health Conference, Dublin, Ireland.

Skvirsky, V., Taubman – Ben-Ari, O., Ben Shlomo, S., Azuri, J., & Horowitz, E. (2016). "Women’s stress in the beginning of fertility treatments – What role do internal and interpersonal resources play?" 37th STAR International Conference, Zagreb, Croatia.

Ben Shlomo, S., Taubman – Ben-Ari, O., & Skvirsky, V. (2016). "How do age and internal resources contribute to mental health of women entering fertility treatment?" 36th Annual Society for Reproduction and Infant Psychology (SRIP) Conference, Leeds, England.

Skvirsky, V., Taubman – Ben-Ari, O., Ben Shlomo, S., Azuri, J., & Horowitz, E. (2015). "Women’s mental health in the beginning of fertility treatments: The role of age, internal, and external Resources." 36th STAR International Conference, Tel Aviv, Israel.

Taubman – Ben-Ari, O., Skvirsky, V., Ben Shlomo, S., Azuri, J., & Horowitz, E. (2015). "The contribution of age and internal and external resources to the mental health of women entering fertility treatments." 2nd Biennial Perinatal Mental Health Conference, Chicago, Illinois.