Distress and Growth: The Subjective "Lived" Experiences of Being the Child of a Vietnam Veteran
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.