Qualitative Analysis of Family Experiences of Psychiatric Veterans: A Phenomenological Study

The present study aimed to qualitatively analyze family experiences of psychiatric veterans. Research method of this research was qualitative method with phenomenological descriptive approach. For this purpose, 16 Psychiatric veterans were selected through purposive sampling and were interviwed by semi-structured interview. Sampling continued until data saturation. The data were analyzed using 7 stage Colaizzi method. The data analysis resulted in 3 main themes, 8 subthemes and 42 initial concepts. As the fisrt theme, “changes in the family framework” consisted of (1- changes in process of family life, 2- relative changes of power position, 3- occupational changes). The second main theme was “family relationships” consisted of (1- relationship with wife, 2- relationship with child) and the third theme was “adaptation” consisted of (1- psychologic interventions, 2- personal intervention, 3- family suppport). Rusults showed that psychiatric veterans experience a great deal of vulnerability in different fields because of their special situations. And the necessity of more awareness among relevant organizations, the more support of them and their families, and the formulation of more counseling, psychological and caring programs are felt.