Situational/contextual factors that contributed to the abuses at the Abu Ghraib prison were ambiguity and uncertainty in the chain of command, lax leadership, lack of training, lack of discipline, and the failure of leaders to recognize and address the psychological stressors associated with the mission at Abu Ghraib Prison. Individual/personality factors that contributed to prisoner abuse at Abu Ghraib were the failure of prison personnel to achieve healthy mental adjustments to war-related stressors, the lack of empathy toward and respect for individuals who adhere to cultural values different from one's own, and the tendency of young adults to mirror the behavior and attitudes of the social groups and organizations of which they are a part. Although war itself involves shedding the morality that abhors killing other human beings, it is important for military leaders to require that soldiers under their command treat prisoners humanely. They must be taught that having the license to kill an enemy on the battlefield does not mean the enemy can be abused and even killed when they no longer pose a threat. The avoidance of the deterioration of morality under the trauma of war, which involves perpetrating and observing the deaths and severe maiming of others, requires the cultivation of a strength of mind and will ("hardiness") that maintains moral purpose and behavior toward others that reflects what is best about humanity under some of the worst conditions. 28 references