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Abstract

This study examined the relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and post-traumatic growth (PTG), as well as the mediating role of meaning-making among young people in Kabul. The research employed a quantitative cross-sectional design with 586 participants aged 18–35 who reported experiencing at least one traumatic event. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires on post-traumatic stress, post-traumatic growth, and meaning in life, and were analyzed through Pearson correlation, regression analysis, and structural equation modeling. The results indicated no significant direct relationship between PTSD and PTG. A weak but statistically significant positive relationship was found between PTSD and meaning-making; however, meaning-making did not play a significant mediating role in the relationship between PTSD and PTG. The findings suggest that post-traumatic growth is independent of PTSD symptom severity and that meaning-making alone is insufficient to facilitate growth. These results highlight the importance of psychological, social, and cultural factors in explaining post-traumatic growth.

Keywords

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Post-Traumatic Growth Youth Meaning-Making

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Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Social Sciences - Kabul University

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Mirzaee, M. J. (2026). Investigating the Relationship Between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Post-Traumatic Growth Among Kabul City Youth: The Mediating Role of Meaning-Making. Journal of Social Sciences - Kabul University, 8(4), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.62810/jss.v8i4.434
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