Purpose in Life as a Protective Factor Against Trauma: Empirical Evidence in War Veterans
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62174/psocial.11131Keywords:
Purpose in Life, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Trauma, War VeteransAbstract
Purpose in life has emerged as a central construct within contemporary positive psychology, as it provides direction, coherence, and the establishment of meaningful personal goals. Conceived as a dynamic phenomenon that evolves throughout the life span, purpose may fluctuate according to individuals’ lived experiences and sociocultural contexts. International research has widely documented its relevance for mental health, highlighting its association with emotional regulation, psychological well-being, resilience, and the capacity to attribute meaning to adverse experiences. In this framework, purpose in life has been increasingly conceptualized as a protective factor against the onset and persistence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The present article reviews theoretical contributions and empirical findings regarding the relationship between purpose in life and trauma, with particular emphasis on war veteran populations. Evidence indicates that higher levels of purpose are associated with lower PTSD symptom severity, reduced suicidal ideation, and better psychosocial functioning, whereas the absence of purpose is linked to greater psychological vulnerability. Although most research has been conducted in the United States, emerging findings in veterans of the South Atlantic conflict highlight the relevance of this construct in other sociocultural contexts. Overall, the literature supports the inclusion of purpose in life as a key variable for understanding adaptation to traumatic experiences and promoting posttraumatic growthReferences
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