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Can we facilitate posttraumatic growth in combat veterans?
Richard G Tedeschi1, Richard J McNally
1Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina-Charlotte, 28223, USA. rtedesch@uncc.edu
The American Psychologist
|January 12, 2011
Summary
The U.S. Army is developing a program to foster posttraumatic growth in soldiers after combat. This initiative aims to enhance resilience and well-being, but requires rigorous testing before widespread adoption.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Military Mental Health
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- Combat exposure can lead to psychological distress and trauma.
- Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is a positive psychological change experienced after adversity.
- Evidence suggests PTG occurs in combat veterans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing evidence on posttraumatic growth in combat veterans.
- To propose components for a U.S. Army program aimed at facilitating PTG.
- To advocate for evidence-based program development through randomized controlled trials.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on posttraumatic growth in combat veterans.
- Conceptualization of program elements to foster PTG.
- Recommendation for empirical validation of the program.
Main Results:
- Existing research supports the occurrence of posttraumatic growth in combat veterans.
- Specific program components can be designed to facilitate PTG.
- The efficacy of such a program requires empirical testing.
Conclusions:
- A U.S. Army program component can be developed to enhance posttraumatic growth.
- Evidence-based strategies are crucial for program design.
- Randomized controlled trials are essential to confirm program efficacy before implementation.
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