Vietnam in the Later Family: Self-reported Symptoms and Interpretations of Posttraumatic Stress

Abstract

The influence of combat exposure in the Vietnam War continues into later family life as this veteran cohort ages and family structure expands. The author utilizes qualitative, phenomenological analysis to examine the meaning of PTSD symptoms such as re-experiencing, avoidance/numbing, arousal, and social impairment and how they influence family function. Veterans describe how combat trauma shaped experiences of nightmares, callousness, triggers, anger, startling, control, and substance abuse and interpret those behaviors as damaging or enhancing their family relationships and friendships. This project has implications for veterans of the Gulf War and the current wars in the Middle East as well as for their families. ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]; Copyright of Michigan Family Review is the property of MPublishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)