Humanity in the face of inhumanity: the POW's search for meaning through suffering

The early investigations of the effects of long-term stress on former POWs have suggested that POWs are currently suffering from numerous physical and psychological problems directly related to their captivity experiences. More recent authors have suggested that although former POWs were subjected to extreme suffering and pain, they may have benefited from this very stressful experience by achieving a more positive outlook on life and a new reason for living. Victor Frankl had earlier suggested a similar view regarding the discovery of a Purpose in Life through suffering.

The present study investigated the relationship between daily stress while a POW and the current purpose in life. Three groups of World War II veterans were studied: (a) former European Theater POWs; (b) former European Theater Combat veterans; and (c) former European Theater and United States stationed Non-combat veterans. The Purpose in Life test was used to assess purpose in life. The Daily Stressors Questionnaire was developed specifically for this study and was used to assess daily stress while a POW, in combat or while in the military service. The Beck Depression Inventory v/as used to assess current levels of depression.

The results were as follows: (a) former POWs did not show evidence of increased levels of purpose in life as assessed by the Purpose in Life test, (b) former POWs did show signs suggestive of mild levels of depression as assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory, (c) Combat and Non-combat group members showed signs suggestive of the presence of purpose in life, and (d) a relationship between wartime daily stress and current psychological disturbances (BDI) was found, r(123)= .48,£<.Q1. Overall, Frankl's theories regarding the discovery of purpose in life through suffering were not supported.