From trauma to transformation: How potentially traumatic military experiences, PTSD symptoms, and psychological strengths shape posttraumatic growth in Israeli female veterans.

Résumé

OBJECTIVE: While increasing attention has been paid to the negative ramifications of military service on female veterans, little is known about the factors that support positive adaptation and posttraumatic growth (PTG) in this population. This study examined how military-related risk factors (combat exposure, sexist hostility), outcomes (posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms), and psychological strengths (self-efficacy, self-esteem, psychological flexibility, prosocial intentions, gratitude, hope, and meaning-centered coping) contribute to PTG among Israeli female combat and noncombat veterans.METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 808 Israeli female veterans (combat: = 450; noncombat: = 358) who completed self-report measures online.RESULTS: Combat veterans reported significantly higher levels of combat exposure, sexist hostility, posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, and PTG as compared with noncombat veterans. Among combat veterans, posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms were negatively associated with PTG. In regression models, among combat veterans, psychological strengths (especially self-efficacy, prosocial intentions, hope, and meaning-centered coping) were associated with higher PTG beyond military-related risk factors. Among noncombat veterans, only hope was significantly associated with PTG.CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the dual nature of trauma in military service, both as a source of distress and a potential catalyst for growth. Psychological strengths serve as robust correlates of PTG and may offer promising targets for interventions aimed at fostering recovery and personal development among female veterans. Strength-based approaches that cultivate hope, meaning-making, and interpersonal capacities may enhance healing and resilience following military trauma. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).