New Otago University, Christchurch research shows the brain-function of otherwise healthy residents living through a traumatic event - has the ability to bounce back over time.
About three years post-quake, it was found a group of Cantabrians exposed to quake trauma, experienced issues with memory and cognitive functioning.
But eight years on from the quakes, researchers found that same group has overcome those issues.
Senior research fellow Dr Katie Douglas says it shows time does heal, which is promising for those who experienced that trauma.