Mapping Personal Strength after Trauma: A Scoping Review of Posttraumatic Growth Research In U.S. Military Veterans

Background:
Posttraumatic growth (PTG) and personal strength have received increasing attention within veteran mental health research; however, conceptual definitions, theoretical grounding, and measurement approaches remain inconsistent.

Objective:
This scoping review mapped the empirical literature examining posttraumatic growth, personal strength, and related constructs among U.S. military veterans.

Methods:
Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, peer-reviewed empirical studies published between 2015 and 2025 were systematically identified, screened, and charted. Thirty-two studies met inclusion criteria and were synthesized descriptively to examine conceptualization, theoretical framing, and measurement strategies.

Results:
The literature demonstrated substantial heterogeneity in study design, conceptual framing, and operationalization of growth-related constructs. While a subset of studies explicitly referenced theoretical frameworks, most relied on implicit or measurement-driven approaches. Cross-study synthesis identified recurring patterns related to meaning-making, identity change, relational and spiritual growth, resilience as an adaptive process, and barriers to growth.