After World War I, it was commonly believed that soldiers who suffered from mental health issues were simply not equipped to cope with the trauma of war. However, after World War II, it became apparent that anyone could be affected by the stress of combat, regardless of their mental fortitude. This shift in thinking paved the way for further research and treatment of PTSD.
During World War II, both Allied and Axis forces employed psychological tactics to boost or undermine morale. These tactics, such as spreading propaganda and using deception, were seen as valuable tools in gaining a strategic advantage. Psychologists were called upon to develop these techniques, showcasing how psychological principles could be applied in a clinical setting.
After WWI, it was largely believed that the mental health issues experienced by certain soldiers were due to individual weaknesses in coping with the war. After WWII screening measures were largely unsuccessful in preventing psychological issues, however, a new belief arose: anyone could be negatively affected by the stressors of war. In other words, you did not need to be “abnormal” to develop mental health issues as a result of trauma. This was an important shift in thinking and set the stage for future PTSD research and treatment.
Although somewhat controversial, both Allied and Axis forces used psychological means to either boost or hurt morale during WWII. Psychological warfare preys upon the vulnerabilities of soldiers in order to gain an advantage. Spreading propaganda and utilizing deception were found to be useful tools in gaining a strategic and tactical edge. Psychologists, touting their expertise in the human condition, were used to develop these techniques. In addition to its effectiveness, psychological warfare served as another indication of how psychological principles could exhibit clinical applications.
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