The contribution of combat exposure; depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms; and psychological strengths to posttraumatic growth in the Israel-Hamas War among reserve veterans.

OBJECTIVE: While extensive research has documented the negative psychological consequences of military service, less is known about the factors that support posttraumatic growth (PTG) among reserve combatants during active war. This study examined the relative contribution of combat exposure, psychological distress (posttraumatic stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms), and psychological resources (self-compassion, psychological flexibility, unit support, sense of purpose, hope, meaning prioritizing, and nature-self connection) to PTG among Israeli reserve combatants during the "Iron Swords" War. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted with Israeli reserve combatants, who actively participated in the war and completed online self-report measures. RESULTS: At the item level, 56.5% of responses reflected positive change, though primarily of low-to-moderate magnitude. Combat exposure and psychological distress variables were not significantly associated with PTG in the final model. By contrast, psychological resources accounted for a substantial proportion of variance, beyond demographic factors, exposure, and distress (R² = 23.9%). Specifically, hope, meaning prioritizing, unit support, and nature-self connection were significantly associated with higher PTG. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the central role of psychological resources-particularly those related to meaning, interpersonal connection, and environmental engagement-in shaping PTG among reserve combatants during active war. PTG appears to be less strongly associated with exposure severity or psychological distress and more by the availability of adaptive strengths. Strength-based interventions targeting hope, meaning making, and social connectedness may enhance positive adaptation following military trauma. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).