For many reasons, children in such families are especially vulnerable (4). Many studies have established that, in comparison with children of combat veterans without PTSD, the children of combat veterans with PTSD have more frequent and more serious developmental, behavioral, and emotional problems (2,5-10). Some of them also have specific psychiatric problems." (Klaric et al., p. 491) It is thus that the discussion on PTSD must shift toward a more encompassing intervention and treatment approach. As the text by Klaric et al. illustrates, it is not sufficient to simply view the combat veteran as the only subject of such intervention. The research conducted here proceeds from the understanding that any such intervention may both fail to relieve the stresses felt by surrounding family members and might also fail to provide family members with the coping strategies necessary to understand the afflicted veteran family member, to recognize and avoid triggers and to serve in a supportive role. The resolution of the research here should be the contribution to this field of a strategy for intervention that initiates with a consideration of the higher vulnerability of children of PTSD-afflicted veterans. It is also anticipated that the research here will help create a greater awareness in the field of the need to create specific and preemptive intervention programs that help to prepare children for the realties of war and the experience of their parents as they readjust to life on the home-front.

As the text...

Having a family member serving in Iraq can be stressful. Family members may not often hear from their loved one. They may not know what kind of dangers their loved one is experiencing, and they may constantly be exposed to upsetting news stories about the war, which may only add to their worry." (Tull, p. 1) This means that any such program must be exacted with care and discretion, such that children are realistically apprised of the nature of PTSD but also so that they are not subjected to many of the same harsh understandings that impact the adult family member's experience.
Thus, it is an overarching goal of the present and ongoing research to produce a template for intervention that is underscored by that care, sensitivity and discretion. These qualities can only be established through comprehensive and well-informed research.

Works Cited:

Klaric, M.; Franciskovic, T.; Klaric, B.; Kvesic, A.; Kastelan, A.; Graovac, M. & Diminic Lisica, I. (2008). Psychological Problems in Children of War Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Cross-Sectional Study. Croatian Medical Journal, 49(4), 491-498.

Tull, M. (2009). Stress in Children of Iraq War Soldiers. About Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD).

United States Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA). (2010). Children Coping With Deployment. PTSD.va.gov.