Buffering Effects of Benefit Finding in a War Environment

Abstract

Benefit finding (BF) has been extensively examined after exposure to traumatic events. However, less research has examined BF as a buffer against the negative effects of an ongoing stressful event. Data from 1,925 U.S. Army soldiers deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) was used to examine whether BF would moderate the relationship between combat exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Regression analyses revealed that BF was associated with lower levels of PTSD and depression. However, we found that BF during the combat deployment was found to moderate the combat exposure–PTSD relationship, such that the relationship was stronger when BF was low. Results are discussed in terms of BF being a form of meaning-based coping that may help soldiers adjust to the challenges of war.

Notes

The findings described in this article were collected under a Walter Reed Army Institute of Research Protocol. The views expressed in this article reflect those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official policy or position of the U.S. Army Medical Command or the Department of Defense.