Posttraumatic growth and psychosocial gains from adversities of korean special forces: a consensual qualitative research

Because military special forces carry out dangerous missions, they are much more exposed to adversities and traumatic events compared to other occupational groups. According to Posttraumatic Growth theory, individuals tend to obtain positive growth through adversities. Moreover, a framework of Psychosocial Gains from Adversity argues not only individual changes but also social changes in the group to which the individual belongs are induced. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the adverse experiences of special forces operatives and delineate the positive shift at an individual and social level via Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR). Eight individuals serving in special forces at the Korean Army, Navy and Air Force were interviewed using a semi-structured protocol. Four domains including 10 categories and 34 subcategories were identified: (a) Adverse experiences; (b) Personal change; (c) Social change; and (d) Attributes related to adverse experience. The findings and clinical implications are discussed in light of growth over facing adversities and interaction between personal and social factors.