I heard a story (I don't remember the exact source) about there being a basic difference in attitude difference between those who came out of the camps. Essentially there was a victim or a survivor attitude bias with those who lives as survivors having higher quality of life than those as victims. It had something to do with being grateful for life.

No matter how many books read or how good an imagination, no one can understand the horror of a concentration camp fully without living it, despite what they might feel about their attempt. However, if we think about our own life challenges, often when we look back at the moments that have shaped us to be better, they are negative situations overcome. It would be the same for a group overcoming too I guess.