Factors Contributing to Posttraumatic Growth in Iraq and Afghanistan Combat Veterans

ABSTRACT

The phenomenon of posttraumatic growth (PTG) and contributing factors were studied in a sample of 10 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans using a phenomenological methodology. Veterans were included in the study if they reported experiencing moderate to high levels of PTG in at least two of the five domains of growth identified in PTG literature. Through semi-structured interviews, participants reported that the factors which mostly contributed to their growth were: (a) remaining connected to veterans or the military, (b) connecting with others and feeling supported by loved ones, (c) working with a counselor, (d) time, and (e) developmental reading. Seven participants reported symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The narratives provided by participants indicate the importance for clinicians to ask clients about PTG, in addition to PTSD symptoms. This article concludes with the description of clinical implications for working with veterans who have experienced combat-related trauma, and recommendations for future research.

KEYWORDS:

• Combat
• military
• positive psychology
• posttraumatic growth
• posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• trauma
• veterans