Secondary traumatic stress disorder in war veterans’ adult offspring

Abstract

The present study focuses on the impact of veteran’s traumatic stress and PTSD diagnosis on their offspring’s mental and physical health. Results revealed a positive relationship between PTSD in veterans and secondary traumatic stress disorder (STSD) in their offspring. STSD symptoms, psychopathology, physical symptoms and adverse childhood experiences were also positively related, especially, in those with STSD symptoms and STSD diagnosis. Finally, adverse childhood experiences, was not a significant moderator in the relationship between psychopathology and traumatic symptoms. The results support the need for interventions in PTSD war veterans’ offspring.