Generational Transmission of PTSD among Military Families

One of the most common psychological disturbances suffered by combat veterans is PTSD. This study used unpublished archival data from survivors of the U.S.S. Emmons which was sunk by kamikaze planes during World War II campaign for Okinawa and their families. The participants were given several PTSD questionnaires in order to assess the presence of PTSD and the long-term effects of living with a veteran of war. Participants were categorized into two groups: families in which the veteran was on the Emmons when it sunk and families in which the veteran served on the Emmons before it was sunk. Findings yielded evidence for the transmission of PTSD across generations. An extensive literature review of PTSD and the impact of living with someone who has PTSD are provided.