Human Values and the Prisoner of War

Abstract

This study compares a group of 80 former prisoners of war (POWs) with a matched comparison group to determine whether or not the experience of long-term deprivation of basic needs affected the value framework of the POW. This investigation also examines the relationship between the POWs value systems after release and (a) the period of time spent in captivity (captured pre-1969 versus post-1969) and (b) the length of time in solitary confinement during captivity. Results show that, out of eight value categories measured, the POW group scored significantly lower on the one value, Power, when compared with the controls. Although the majority of the POWs perceived that a shift in values had occurred during captivity, findings indicate these changes were minimal. The limitations of this study are discussed in light of alternative interpretations of the findings.