Post-traumatic growth in (ex-) military personnel: review and qualitative synthesis

Abstract

Background: Military service can be a traumatic experience, and cause mental health problems in a minority of personnel, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is linked to negative long-term outcomes. As a result, PTSD has received significant research attention. However, post-traumatic growth (PTG) is a newer construct, with comparatively little known about its presentation and development.Aims: To qualitatively examine the experience of (PTG) in military and ex-military personnel.Methods: A qualitative systematic search of electronic databases was conducted, with studies assessed for methodological quality and data analysed using Thematic Analysis. Nine qualitative studies, carried out between 2011-2016, met the inclusion criteria with 195 participants in totalmilitary and ex-military personnel.Results: Six themes were identified: appreciation for life; re-evaluating sense of purpose; improvement of personal human traits; bonding and connecting with others; integrating into society; and being proud of heritage & valuable to society.Conclusions: The results of this review illustrate that military personnel may experience PTG due to deployment-related trauma exposure, and the presentation of PTG in this population is not dissimilar to that of civilians. This study highlights the need for additional research to quantify the long-term psychological impact of PTG and whether a focus on PTG may be helpful in psychological treatment for (ex-) military personnel.

A qualitative analysis of meaning‐making and mental health among OIF/OEF veterans

“…All but one veteran described personal gains from their deployment experiences, focused on positive aspects of service or referred to beneficial changes in their emotions. These positive changes are consistent with prior qualitative work with veterans that identified themes of life perspective changes, closeness to family, and changes in emotions (Habib et al, 2018;Price et al, 2016). The majority of veterans also experienced changes in how they viewed the world, which included appreciating other cultures, feeling more open towards others, and an increased awareness of being an American, which was related to either increased gratitude for the identity or a feeling of being judged for their American identity.…”

“…College student veterans in another qualitative study described cultural differences associated with the transition to civilian life, a need to rebuild a support system post-deployment, a search for new meanings in life, and PTSD symptomology (Kato, Jinkerson, Holland, & Soper, 2016). Furthermore, a review of qualitative studies (Habib, Stevelink, Greenberg, & Williamson, 2018) explored posttraumatic growth (PTG) among veterans post-deployment and found that veterans may experience growth related to the individual (e.g., appreciation for life, changes in a sense of purpose in life), family (e.g., increased closeness to others), and community (e.g., integrating back into society and experiencing pride following their service). These studies emphasize the variety of changes that may occur post-deployment as veterans readjust and process their experiences.…”

Posttraumatic growth and psychosocial gains from adversities of korean special forces: a consensual qualitative research

“…Moreover, participants gained more confidence, became more responsible, and had a deeper understanding of oneself. It seems that on account of experiencing the adversity operatives faced their own fragility and weakness, and by overcoming the crisis they became a better version of themselves, gaining a realistic but also challenging attitude towards life (Habib et al, 2018 ; Morgan et al, 2017 ). Such process has been well documented by numerous studies (Palmer et al, 2017 ; Pietrzak et al, 2010 ).…”

“…In this study, we aim to research PTG and PGA of special forces operatives who have experienced adversities utilizing qualitative methods. Due to a lack of studies focusing on the adversities of special forces operatives, and the experience of adversities and accompanying change are diverse and specific to each individual, a qualitative approach was preferred to investigate the context and contents of the operatives’ PTG and PGA (Habib et al, 2018 ). The interviews were analyzed through consensual qualitative research (CQR).…”

Recognition and development of customized cosmetics for military trainees in 20s and 30s in Republic of Korea

“…Self‐esteem and a sense of worth to society must be managed. 16 The top five skin conditions commonly seen in the folk dermatology setting are eczema/dermatitis, acne, benign skin tumors, viral infections, and pigmentation disorders. In comparison, the five most common skin conditions in the military sector are generally fungal infections, eczema/dermatitis, insect bite reactions, bacterial infections, and acne.…”