Through the chaos and destruction of war, the human personality can undergo a profound transformation. In the face of great danger and hardship, people may find themselves forced to abandon their old habits and adapt in order to survive. The horrors of war can destroy the outer layers of personality, revealing deeper layers of strength, resilience, and even darkness. At first, the transformation may be gradual. A person can begin to develop a greater sense of self-reliance by recognizing that they cannot rely on anyone else to protect them. They can become more alert, more distant, as they seek to create a protective shell around themselves. This shell can consist of anger, bitterness and mistrust - the natural defense mechanisms of a person under siege.
However, as the war continues, the destruction of the self deepens. A person may witness or participate in acts of violence and cruelty that challenge their moral compass. They may be forced to abandon their values and principles in order to survive. In some cases, they can become numb to the suffering around them, losing touch with the humanity that once defined them.​