The Role of Spirituality and Rumination in the Occurrence of Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and Posttraumatic Growth Among Ukrainians Exposed to War Trauma Studying in Poland.

Ukrainian citizens are exposed to war-associated trauma. While such exposure typically has negative consequences, reflected in the form of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it can also have positive ones, such as posttraumatic growth (PTG). These outcomes are influenced by various factors including rumination about traumatic experiences and personal resources such as spirituality. The aim of the study was to examine the relationships between spirituality, rumination and the consequences of exposure to war trauma among Ukrainian citizens studying in Poland, reflected in the form of PTSD and PTG. The study included 152 Ukrainian students who had moved to Poland after the outbreak of war initiated by Russia. The group was aged 18-24 years (M = 19.72, SD = 1.22), and the majority were female (73.7%). The participants completed a survey and four standardized measurement tools: the PTSD Checklist (PCL-5), the posttraumatic growth inventory (PTGI-SF), the self-description questionnaire, and the event-related rumination inventory. Spirituality was positively correlated with PTG but not with PTSD. Intrusive rumination was positively associated with PTSD but not with PTG. Deliberate rumination was not correlated with PTSD but was associated with PTG; it also mediated the relationship between spirituality and PTG. To protect against PTSD and promote PTG, it is recommended to reduce intrusive rumination and encourage deliberate rumination among trauma-affected individuals. Developing spirituality is also beneficial.