Distress and growth: The subjective “lived” experiences of being the child of a Vietnam veteran.

Abstract

There is a paucity of research into the positive and negative intergenerational psychological effects of war-related trauma, particularly from a child's perspective. Therefore, this study aimed to shed light on both positive and negative experiences of growing up in a family where one parent is traumatized by war. It explored the subjective "lived" experience of three sisters whose father, a Vietnam War veteran, was diagnosed with combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) data from semistructured interviews were analyzed. One overarching theme emerged: making meaning of dual complex trauma. This encapsulated four superordinate themes: betrayal and neglect; like father, like daughter; fragile intimate self; and growthful forgiveness and self-care. Implications for therapeutic intervention with intergenerational trauma are discussed.

Exploring the impact of parental post-traumatic stress disorder on military family children: A review of the literature

“…All three participants disclosed how they had feelings of shame, guilt, self-blame, that they felt 'a burden' and 'not good enough ' (McCormack and Sly, 2013) which imply reduced self-esteem and self-confidence.…”

“…They suggest that the impact of combat trauma is not solely limited to affect the soldier but also the victims significant others such as partners, children, friends and care givers. Three articles explored the presence of secondary traumatisation among children of war veterans with PTSD (Suozzi and Motta, 2004;Dinshtein, Dekel and Polliack, 2011;and McCormack and Sly, 2013).…”

“…Although a small sample, McCormack and Sly (2013) A limitation of all three studies (Dinshtein, Dekel and Polliack, 2011;Suozzi and Motta, 2004;and McCormack and Sly, 2013) is that none of the researchers specifically provide a definition of PTSD.…”

Spiritually Oriented Psychotherapy for Trauma and Meaning Making Among Ethnically Diverse Individuals in the United States

“…In support of the conceptual relationship described earlier, cognitive processing played an important role in the effects of the benefit-finding conditions on forgiveness in both these studies. However, some studies have found no relationship (Fischer, 2006) or unclear qualitative relationships between the constructs (McCormack & Sly, 2013;Nguyen et al, 2014).…”

Medical discharge from the “family,” moral injury, and a diagnosis of PTSD: Is psychological growth possible in the aftermath of policing trauma?

“…First, the enhancement of relationships has been reported following trauma. Those who report such findings describe this positive change as valuing and appreciating their relationships more than before the traumatic event, including an increase in feelings of empathy, humility, and altruism (McCormack, et al, 2011;McCormack & Sly, 2013;.…”