ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of relevant literature, highlighting the most salient issues concerning the psychological responses to warfare. Agency and self-efficacy factors have often been associated with resilience. As resilience is the prevailing response to a potentially traumatic event (PTE), consideration of influencing factors must reflect the heterogeneity of the individuals and circumstances involved. In their investigation of the roles of demographics, resources and life stress, Bonanno, Galea, Bucciarelli and Vlahov suggest that no single factor is responsible for resilience. Throughout history, many philosophies have recognized that personal gain can be found through suffering. Indeed, such ideas are central to many contemporary religions. post-traumatic growth (PTG) has been well documented through the ages. With the increasing and changing nature of conflict around the world, knowledge of its psychological impact, both negative and positive, is required to fully support those who have survived such terrible atrocities.
