Hardiness Predicts Post-Traumatic Growth and Well-Being in Severely Wounded Servicemen and Their Spouses

ABSTRACT Introduction Thousands of military personnel have suffered severe wounds and traumatic amputations in recent overseas conflicts. They face multiple surgeries long, painful rehabilitation. Despite the tremendous stress for these servicemen families, many appear to cope quite well even thrive despite their devastating wounds. Hardiness is a world view or mindset marked by high levels commitment engagement world, strong sense control, tendency see change as challenge opportunity learn improve. Previous research has shown that hardiness are at lower risk post-traumatic disorder, depression, other psychiatric symptoms following combat exposure. This study evaluated impact personality on growth (PTG) psychological well-being severely wounded service members spouses. Materials Methods Male volunteers were surveyed while hospital battle including loss limbs. All married, all spouses also agreed participate. Participants (N = 44) completed measures hardiness, PTG, well-being, neuroticism, answered question regarding potential benefits experience. Results Hierarchical regression showed significantly predicted both PTG controlling age, education, family income, neuroticism. Both indicated they experienced areas: strengthened ties connections; greater appreciation perspective life; new career educational opportunities; stronger, more resilient person; formed relationships, friends, connections. Conclusion These results suggest seriously who likely experience extremely stressful experiences. entails positive reframing negative experiences opportunities challenges overcome, taking action solve problems. Training programs increase attitudes related coping skills may thus be beneficial facilitating healthy adaptation injured patients.