Abstract :
Veterans’ spouses with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) face many problems and stresses in their lives. They are often uncertain whether to leave or stay with their husbands. Therefore, this study aimed to explore veterans’ spouses' experiences living with their husbands who have PTSD. This qualitative study was conducted using the content analysis method. The participants consisted of 16 Spouses of veterans with PTSD. The data was gathered by semi-structured interviews and purposeful sampling and continued until data saturation. Data analysis was done simultaneously with the data collection. Main themes consisted of adaptability, spirituality, sympathy along with tolerance, and insufficient support, which together showed the concept of “Resiliency” in veterans’ Spouses. This concept leads to adaptability and continuity of marital life. Veterans’ Spouses experience many marital life problems and using defensive mechanisms and adaptability strategies play an essential role in their life promotion and satisfaction. Resiliency as the primary strategy leads to understanding the spouses’ needs and strengthens interpersonal relationships, intimacy, and life satisfaction.
