Long-term Impact of Vietnam War Service on Family Environment and Satisfaction

Surveyed 47 Vietnam war veterans about their war experiences, current lives, and perspectives of their families at this time. Ss filled out a series of self-report surveys measuring combat exposure, the psychological impact of war service, the family environment, marital satisfaction, and parental satisfaction. Tests consisted of several measures including the Family Relationships Index. Results imply that the Vietnam war's greatest long-term impact on veterans may be in the area of psychological reactions of intrusion and avoidance. Intrusion was associated with lower levels of cohesion, expressiveness, and marital satisfaction. Significant associations between combat exposure and the development of psychological impairment were found. Results suggest the need for increased interventions at a family level for survivors of war trauma. Implications for counselors, including the use of communication training, are discussed.