Stressful and positive experiences of women who served in Vietnam |
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| Authors: | Anica Pless Kaiser Joyce Wang Eve H. Davison Crystal L. Park Jeanne Mager Stellman |
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| Affiliation: | 1. National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;2. Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;3. MAVERIC, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;4. Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;5. RTI International, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA;6. Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA;7. Health Policy and Management, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA |
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| Abstract: | ![]()
Experiences of women who served during the Vietnam War have been described in interviews/anecdotal reports but rarely in empirical literature. Potential positive (versus negative) aspects of service or its impact on well-being are seldom considered. We describe stressful and positive experiences reported by approximately 1,300 female military personnel, Red Cross workers, and others deployed to Vietnam. Prominent stressful (e.g., negative living/working conditions) and positive (e.g., interpersonal relationships) themes and differences based on trauma history, Vietnam experiences, and group membership are explored. We evaluate associations between themes and psychological well-being. Findings provide insight into experiences of this understudied group of women. |
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| Keywords: | Older women qualitative stressful and positive experiences Vietnam |
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