Despite suffering significant trauma, keeping a positive attitude on the battlefield may help soldiers avoid developing post traumatic stress disorder later in life, according to a new study from Michigan State University researchers.

The prevalence of PTSD has grown tremendously in recent years, as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan continue to drag on. However, the implications of the study stretch beyond the battlefield. The researchers believe that their findings could benefit police officers and firefighters, who also regularly encounter traumatic situations.

For the study, researchers surveyed 648 Army troops fighting in Iraq in 2004. They found that soldiers who thought about their experiences in more positive terms were less likely to develop PTSD after being discharged. Additionally, they found that the more intense the traumatic experiences were, the more important it was for soldiers to keep a positive outlook.

The researchers said that their findings could be used to encourage organizations to train individuals who may encounter trauma during the course of their work. This may help them avoid future mental health problems.