Brothers in arms: The interplay of unit cohesion and forgiveness in postcombat adjustment

Combat soldiers face intense psychological strain and diverse postservice adjustment challenges. Although prior research has largely emphasized risk factors and psychopathology, fewer studies have explored coping resources that foster resilience. This study examined the interplay between unit cohesion and forgiveness dimensions (self, others, and situation) in relation to psychological distress among combat veterans, including both direct associations and moderation effects.

A sample of 190 Israeli male combat veterans completed self-report measures of trauma exposure, psychological distress (depression, anxiety, somatization), self-perceived traumatization, unit cohesion, and tendency to forgive. Data were analyzed using hierarchical regressions and moderation models.

Higher unit cohesion and higher forgiveness measures were associated with lower levels of depression, anxiety, somatization, and self-perceived traumatization. Unit cohesion was consistently associated with lower levels across all distress measures. Forgiveness of situations showed unique associations with lower anxiety and self-perceived traumatization, whereas forgiveness of others moderated the association between unit cohesion and depressive symptoms.

Unit cohesion and forgiveness appear to function as complementary resources supporting combat veterans' emotional adjustment. Forgiving uncontrollable combat-related situations aids adaptation, whereas forgiving others reinforces the protective value of social bonds. However, these relations are complicated, emphasizing the need for interventions that strengthen unit trust and promote postservice meaning-making and forgiveness to foster emotional resilience among combat veterans. Addressing distinct dimensions of forgiveness and strengthening trust, mutual support, and unit cohesion may help veterans process moral and interpersonal injuries, reframe traumatic combat experiences, and promote resilience and long-term psychological adjustment. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).