The contribution of combat exposure, sexist hostility, PTSD symptoms, and psychological strengths to satisfaction with life and flourishing among Israeli women veterans

This study examined the associations between combat exposure, sexist hostility, PTSD symptoms, and psychological strengths (hope, gratitude, and meaning-centered coping) with satisfaction with life (SWL) and flourishing among Israeli female combat and non-combat veterans. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 811 discharged Israeli female veterans (combat veterans: n = 453; non-combat veterans: n = 358), who completed self-report measures. Results show that combat veterans reported higher levels of combat exposure, sexist hostility, PTSD symptoms, and flourishing, but not SWL, compared to non-combat veterans. Across both groups, PTSD symptoms were negatively associated with SWL and flourishing, while hope, gratitude, and meaning-centered coping were positively associated with both outcomes. Findings suggest that while Israeli female combat veterans face elevated psychological risk, they may also experience greater flourishing. Psychological strengths such as hope, gratitude, and meaning-centered coping are robust predictors of well-being and may be important targets for intervention.