Armed conflict exposure is a risk factor for posttraumatic growth, yet definitional gaps hinder comparisons and support trauma therapy.
Authors
Irfan Fayaz, Assistant Professor, Jindal Institute of Behavioural Science, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana, India
Pulkit Khanna, Professor, Jindal Institute of Behavioural Science, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana, India
Manjushree Palit, Professor, Jindal School of Psychology and Counselling, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana, India
Kulpreet Kaur, Professor, Jindal Global Business School, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana, India
Summary
Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is a relatively new field of study that focuses on the positive psychological changes that can occur because of traumatic events. A change in mindset has taken place, moving away from solely concentrating on the damaging effects of trauma and towards examining the possibility for positive outcomes. Mostly PTG has been well-documented across different types of traumas, such as calamities and serious illnesses, but the specific mechanisms by which it occurs in the context of armed conflict are not yet fully understood. Therefore, the current scoping review findings present an overview of PTG that is associated primarily with the aftermath of armed conflict. However, there may be a lack of consensus on how to define and measure PTG, which makes it difficult to compare findings across studies. Despite these limitations, the extant research suggests that exposure to armed conflict is a risk factor for PTG and that interventions and support for individuals affected by armed conflict may be necessary to promote resilience and recovery from trauma. The present study findings have important implications for trauma-based therapy and can potentially impact mental health professionals for a better understanding of PTG.
Published in: Medicine, Conflict and Survival
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