The Experiences of Adult Offsprings of War Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; a Qualitative Study

Aims: Families of war veterans continue to experience the consequences of war, including psychological and emotional impacts, years after the end of the conflict. This study aimed to explore the experiences of adult offsprings of war veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. Participants Methods: This research employed a qualitative research method using a content analysis approach. Nine adult offsprings of war veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder were interviewed. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews and analyzed using a contractual approach based on the Graneheim Lundman model. Lincoln and Guba’s criteria confirmed the research’s validity and reliability. Findings: The initial coding and formation of meaningful units led to data classification into 13 subcategories based on commonalities. Ultimately, five main categories were identified; an unsafe childhood, witnessing endless suffering due to their father’s condition, challenges in their mother’s life, empathy with their father, and fears, anxieties, and mental struggles. Conclusion: Adult offsprings of war veterans experience various challenging events that significantly impact their quality of life.