Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026

Author Spotlight: Unveiling Mechanisms of Stress Resilience - Significant Findings, Advancements, and Future Research
Published on: December 15, 2023
PTSD, resilience and posttraumatic growth among ex-prisoners of war and combat veterans
Gadi Zerach1, Zahava Solomon, Assaf Cohen
1Department of Behavioral Sciences, Ariel University Center of Samaria, Ariel, Israel.
Background:
Past studies have shown that adversity may yield various salutogenic outcomes. two constructs that have been at the center of this scientific investigation are resilience and posttraumatic growth (PTG). the present study aims to clarify the relations between posttraumatic stress symptoms, resilience and PTG among israeli war veterans.
Method:
the sample includes former prisoners of war (ex-POWs) (n=103) and comparable veterans (n=106) of the 1973 Yom Kippur War. the veterans were assessed twice: 18 and 30 years after the war with self-report questionnaires.
Results:
resilience, defined as the absence of posttraumatic symptoms, and PTG are negatively correlated. resilient ex- POWs and veterans reported the lowest levels of PTG when compared to participants diagnosed with clinical and sub-clinical posttraumatic stress disorder (PtSd). Furthermore, PTG dimensions were found to be the most differentiating factor between study groups, followed by war exposure measures and clinical reports of depression and anxiety symptoms.
Conclusions:
this study strengthens the understanding that combatants who report high-level PtSd symptoms also report higher levels of positive psychological changes in the face of severe adversity.
More Related Videos
04:02Author Spotlight: Developing Precise and Clinically Relevant Models for Studying Secondary Degeneration in Traumatic Optic Neuropathy
Published on: November 29, 2024
08:20Simultaneous Application of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation during Virtual Reality Exposure
Published on: January 18, 2021
Related Concept Videos
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events,...
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
Repressed Memory
Bonanno's Theory of Grieving
Resilience
Traumatic Memory
Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction