FROM TRAUMA TO TRANSFORMATION: PREDICTORS OF POST-TRAUMATIC GROWTH IN UKRAINIANS AFFECTED BY WAR IN AN ONGOING CONFLICT SETTING

Abstract

This research focuses on the assessment of post-traumatic growth (PTG) in an ongoing crisis situation – namely, the war in Ukraine. This research was designed as a crosssectional correlational study and was conducted 6 months after the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The authors focused on the following sociodemographic aspects: gender, age, marital status, number of children, place of current residence (either within or outside Ukraine), subjective evaluation of financial state, satisfaction with current living conditions, and current employment status. Personal life-experiences of traumatic events were assessed using the Life Events Checklist (LEC-5); PTG was assessed using the PostTraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). The study included 706 participants (age M = 32.1); 155 males and 541 females. Using one- and two-way ANOVA, we answered the following research questions: To what extent do individuals living in war-torn areas exhibit indications of PTG? Can sociodemographic variables serve as reliable predictors of PTG? How do levels of PTG differ between individuals residing in Ukraine and those living abroad? What is the relationship between PTG and war-related trauma? It was found that people living in war-torn areas exhibit moderate levels of PTG. Women are more prone to PTG than men; younger and older participants show higher levels of PTG, while middle-aged participants exhibit lower levels; and financial security increases PTG. Presence in Ukraine increases personal strength, while living outside of Ukraine increases the possibilities for new PTG strategies. Trauma exposure during the war does not increase levels of PTG.

Keywords

• post-traumatic growth
• war in ukraine
• russian aggression
• predictors of post-traumatic growth