Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

April 9, 2021

Association of Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder With Posttraumatic Psychological Growth Among US Veterans During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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  • A study of US veterans found that during that pandemic, some veterans experienced positive psychological changes, most notable related to increases in appreciation of life, relating to others, and personal strength. A longitudinal study of US Veterans (N=3,078) found that 43% of respondents reported increased levels of post-traumatic growth (PTG) in November/December 2020, 1-year after a baseline survey. In particular, respondents reported increases in appreciation of life, relating to others, and personal strength. Higher PTG was associated with COVID-19-related post-traumatic stress disorder, and greater appreciation of life and improved social relationships were associated with a reduction in suicidal ideation.

Pietrzak et al. (Apr 8, 2021). Association of Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder With Posttraumatic Psychological Growth Among US Veterans During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JAMA Network Open. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.4972