Abstract
Background: Participation in combat can have mental health consequences such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In addition to the consequences for the person directly exposed to the traumatic event, there are consequences for the family. Although much research exists regarding effects on spouses, less is known about effects on other family members. In the current study we focused on parents whose young-adult sons suffer from PTSD, a cohort about whom little has been written in the literature.Aims: To examine from the parents’ point of view, the consequences of young adult military veterans’ PTSD for their parents and for family relationships since the injury.Methods: Using a qualitative research method, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 14 parents of adults up to the age of 30, who experience PTSD as a result of exposure to events during their regular or reserve military service.Findings: From the analysis of the findings three major themes emerged that reflect the extensiveconsequences for the parents and family. The first theme dealt with parallel post-traumatic symptoms experienced by parents and their children. The second theme focused on the burden of caring for the young military veteran. The third theme dealt with the consequences for family relationships.Conclusions: Parents of young military veterans experiencing PTSD may suffer multidimensionallife consequences as a result of their son's injury. Some of these consequences are similar to those experienced by spouses of military veterans with PTSD, and some are unique to their role as parents. mplications for practice: This preliminary research contributes to understanding the broad implications of PTSD among young adult military veterans by identifying the effects on parents, a group that has received less recognition. The knowledge gained from these findings has important implications for practice and may assist in interventions with parents and with other family members.
Translated title of the contribution | Being a Parent of a Young Adult Suffering from PTSD: Secondary Traumatization, Burden, and Consequences for Family Relationships |
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Original language | Hebrew |
Pages (from-to) | 332-354 |
Number of pages | 23 |
Journal | חברה ורווחה: רבעון לעבודה סוציאלית |
Volume | מ"ג |
Issue number | 3 |
State | Published - 2023 |
IHP publications
- ihp
- Adjustment (Psychology)
- Caregivers
- Home nursing
- Parent and adult child
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Secondary traumatic stress
- Soldiers
- Soldiers -- Family relationships -- Israel
- War -- Psychological aspects
- War neuroses
- Young adults