Post-traumatic growth in the military: a systematic review

Abstract

BackgroundPost-traumatic growth is defined as positive psychological, social or spiritual growth after a trauma.ObjectivesThis systematic review aimed to identify studies that quantitatively measured post-traumatic growth among (ex-) military personnel, to determine whether there is evidence of growth in this context and whether such growth is associated with any sociodemographic, military, trauma or mental health factors.Data sourcesThe electronic databases PsycInfo, OVIDmedline and Embase were searched for studies published between 2001 and 2017.Study eligibility criteria and participantsPapers were retained if they involved military or ex-military personnel, where some had been deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan.Study appraisalQuality assessment was conducted on all studies.Results21 studies were retained. The Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory was employed by 14 studies: means ranged from 32.60 (standard deviation = 14.88) to 59.07 (23.48). The Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory Short Form was used by five studies: means ranged from 17.11 (14.88) to 20.40 (11.88). These values suggest moderate growth. Higher levels of social support, spirituality and rumination and minority ethnicity were most frequently associated with more post-traumatic growth.LimitationsThe involved studies may lack generalisability and methodological quality.ConclusionsOverall, this paper confirms that negative reactions to trauma, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder, are not the only possible outcomes for service personnel, as moderate post-traumatic growth can also be observed.Implications of key findingsInterventions aimed at helping current and former armed forces personnel to identify and promote post-traumatic growth post-conflict may be beneficial for their well-being.

Peritraumatic reactions during the COVID-19 pandemic – The contribution of posttraumatic growth attributed to prior trauma

“…Reports of PTG have been documented among survivors of various types of traumatic events. These include combat or other military-related traumatic events ( Mark et al, 2018 ; Stein et al, 2020 ; Zerach, 2020 ), natural and manmade disasters (S. Brooks et al, 2020 ; Palgi et al, 2020 ), accidents, life-threatening physical illnesses ( Hefferon et al, 2009 ), bereavement ( Waugh et al, 2018 ), and childhood abuse ( Kaye-Tzadok and Davidson-Arad, 2016 ; Lev-Wiesel et al, 2004 ; Shakespeare-Finch and De Dassel, 2009 ).…”

Endocannabinoid Signaling Collapse Mediates Stress-Induced Amygdalo-Cortical Strengthening

“…Stress exposure is a major risk factor for the development and exacerbation of major mental illnesses including major depression, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders (Arnsten, 2015;McEwen, 2012;Sharma et al, 2016). Furthermore, exposure to severe stress is required for the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Fenster et al, 2018;Gillespie et al, 2009;Henigsberg et al, 2019;Kessler et al, 2005a;Mark et al, 2018). In this context, understanding the molecular, cellular and circuit-level mechanisms by which stress exposure is translated into distinct psychopathological behavioral, emotional, and cognitive domains could have broad translational implications.…”

Longevity of World War II Estonian volunteers in the Finnish Army: A follow-up study of the impact of the post-war life course and repressions

“…Resilience can be viewed as an adaptive characteristic that allows some survivors of adversity to cope with and recover from any adversity encountered in their lives. There is an increasing volume of literature on post-traumatic growth, whereby survivors of adversity develop strengths and coping skills in response to their experience (Feder et al 2008;Mitchell et al 2013;Staugaard et al 2015;Mark et al 2018). As regards institutional support, Roelfs et al (2010) note that in many Western countries veterans receive lifelong medical care and counselling, as well as social recognition and respect, which may help to counterbalance the negative effects of adversity.…”