https://aub.ie/MilitaryREACH-Blau2022

Blau, G., & Miller, G. (2022). Comparing two distinct military samples on traumatic events, positive coping styles and post traumatic growth. Journal of Education and Learning, 11(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.5539/jel.v11n1p1

Posttraumatic growth (PTG), or positive changes that one might undergo after experiencing a traumatic life event, may be related to positive coping styles. PTG can occur for both combat and noncombat Veterans who have experienced a traumatic event. Using data from 138 Veterans, this study examined the associations between 4 positive coping styles (instrumental support, emotional support, religion, and acceptance) and PTG. The use of coping styles and PTG were also compared between combat and noncombat Veterans. Veterans’ use of instrumental support and religion were associated with PTG, and combat and noncombat Veterans differed in their use of these coping styles.

https://doi.org/10.5539/jel.v11n1p1

Veterans
Mental health
Trauma

Multiple branches

Veteran
Guard
Reserve

Veteran

Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Aged (65 yrs & older)

Quantitative Study
Cross sectional study

Blau, Gary, Miller, Glen

This study collected complete data traumatic event-related information, positive coping styles, and post traumatic growth variables from two different United States (US) military veteran samples: non-combat military veterans (n = 54) and combat military veterans (n = 84). Although both samples represent military veterans, only one sample experienced actual combat, i.e., active fighting in a war against an enemy. All data were collected via online survey. Demographically, both samples were predominately White male, with a four-year college degree being the highest education level frequency. The average participant age was 29 years and there was no significant mean age difference between the samples. In addition, there were no significant sample differences in the total number of traumatic events experienced or time since the most powerful traumatic event was experienced. The purposes of this study were to: (1) test if four positive coping strategies were related to Post Traumatic Growh (PTG), and (2) to determine if there were differences in the use of these four coping strategies or experienced PTG for non-combat versus combat military veterans. The four positive coping styles were measured, instrumental support, emotional support, religion, and acceptance. For the combined sample, two coping styles, instrumental support and religion were each significant positively related to post traumatic growth (PTG). Significant sample differences were found on instrumental support and religion such that the non-combat veterans perceived higher mean levels on both coping styles versus the combat veterans. No sample difference was found for PTG. Future research directions and study limitations are discussed.

Canadian Center of Science and Education

Article
REACH Publication

Fox School of Business & Management, Temple University, GB
Fox School of Business & Management, Temple University, GM