The Relationship Between Post-Traumatic Personal Growth and Basic Value Orientations in Combat Participants
The Relationship Between Post-Traumatic Personal Growth and Basic Value Orientations in Combat Participants
Stepanyan Lilit
Summary
Key words: new opportunities, personal strength, re-evaluation of life’s value, tradition, independence, achievement, volition, security
Armenia has faced wartime situations in recent years (e.g., the 2020 Artsakh War and subsequent periodic combat operations), increasing the importance of studying post-traumatic disorders and their coping mechanisms. In modern psychology, there is a growing interest in the positive outcomes of trauma, known as Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG), and this study fills a knowledge gap related to our regional context. Additionally, it addresses societal needs by aiding veterans and their families in reintegrating into civilian life. This article examines the connections between PTG and basic value orientations, exploring the factors that transform trauma into personal growth. The findings indicate that individuals who participated in combat exhibit stronger associations with spiritual changes, heightened appreciation of life’s value, and personal strength, reflecting their personal growth. In contrast, non-participants display a more polarized value system: some values foster development, while others conflict with each other. Summarizing the study, it can be concluded that the negative experiences of war can result in positive transformations, particularly in the re-evaluation of life’s value (consistent with PTG theory), relying on basic value orientations. The study’s results can be applied to develop psychological support programs aimed at the rehabilitation of combat participants and the promotion of their personal growth.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.58726/27382915-2025.2hs-262