New Study Reveals: Killing in Combat Doesn’t Always Harm Mental Health—Context is Key
Short Pump, Virginia | March 30, 2025 – A groundbreaking study of over 14,000 Norwegian veterans has uncovered a surprising truth: killing in combat does not automatically damage a soldier’s mental health—what matters most is the context in which it happens.
Published in a major military psychology journal, the research found stark differences between veterans of combat-heavy missions (Afghanistan) and peacekeeping operations (Lebanon). While Afghanistan veterans showed no long-term psychological harm from killing, those who took lives during Lebanon peacekeeping missions were far more likely to suffer PTSD, depression, and reduced quality of life.
The findings challenge long-held beliefs that taking a life in war is inherently traumatic, suggesting instead that mission expectations, group norms, and perceived justification play a decisive role in psychological outcomes.
Key Takeaways from the Study
✔ Context Matters: Killing only harmed mental health when it clashed with mission expectations (e.g., peacekeeping vs. combat).
✔ Combat vs. Peacekeeping: Afghanistan veterans (trained for combat) adapted better than Lebanon veterans (unprepared for lethal force).
✔ Group Norms Protect Soldiers: Clear rules of engagement and unit cohesion reduce moral injury risks.
Deep Dive Podcast: “Killing in Combat—It’s Not What You Think”
Embedded in this article is an exclusive Deep Dive audio overview hosted by Chen Yuxin (陈雨欣) and Sokage Jikū (曽影時空), exploring the study’s implications.
Podcast Description:
“Does killing in war always leave psychological scars? A landmark Norwegian study reveals a surprising answer: No—if the context justifies it. Join hosts Chen Yuxin and Sokage Jikū as they unpack why Afghanistan veterans showed no mental health harm from killing, while Lebanon peacekeepers suffered deeply. What does this mean for military training, veteran care, and our understanding of moral injury? Listen now for a thought-provoking analysis.”
Expert Perspectives
Andreas Espetvedt Nordstrand, lead researcher and Norwegian military psychologist, stated:
“Killing another person doesn’t necessarily go against human nature. It’s the violation of group norms—not the act itself—that causes harm.”
Professor Leif Edward Ottesen Kennair, co-author, added:
“Soldiers in ‘war mode’ process violence differently than peacekeepers. Their mindset determines long-term effects.”
Ronny Kristoffersen, a combat veteran and study co-author, emphasized:
“This research is crucial for reducing stigma and improving support for soldiers who’ve faced impossible choices.”
Why This Matters
With global military tensions rising, the study highlights the need for:
🔹 Clearer mission guidelines
🔹 Better pre-deployment psychological training
🔹 Tailored mental health support for veterans
Contributors:
📰 Journalists: Lin Xiaohui (林晓慧), Zhang Xiaomeng (张晓萌), Li Siying (李思颖), Wang Xueli (王雪莉)
✍️ Editor in Chief: Hakeem Ali-Bocas Alexander (莫德凯)
🎙️ Podcast Hosts: Chen Yuxin (陈雨欣), Sokage Jikū (曽影時空)
Read the full study and listen to the Deep Dive now on HAKEYM News.
➡️ [Listen Here] | [Read More Military Psychology Articles]
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Hakeem Ali-Bocas Alexander
