Thought content, thought function, acceptance and adaptation over time: Experiences of Turkish veterans and their spouses whose cognitive functions are affected by PTSD.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) induced by war and conflict can impact the cognitive functions of both traumatized veterans and their spouses. This qualitative study explores the experiences of veterans diagnosed with PTSD and their spouses, focusing on the challenges in their cognitive functions, using a phenomenological approach. In-depth interviews were conducted with 42 participants, including 21 veterans and 21 spouses of veterans diagnosed with PTSD. The study analyzes their experiences of how PTSD affects their cognitive functions. The transcribed interview data were analyzed using the MAXQDA 2020 program and a thematic analysis approach. Two main themes emerged: positive thoughts before trauma and negative thoughts after trauma. Within negative post-traumatic thoughts, three themes were identified: Thought content; Thought function; Acceptance and adaptation over time, with a total of 11 sub-themes. These results indicate that PTSD has adverse effects on the cognitive functions of both veterans and their spouses. Notably, these findings align with criterion D of PTSD in DSM-V. Therefore, future studies should not only focus on the cognitive functions of veterans with PTSD but also consider the perspectives and experiences of their spouses. Comprehensive psycho-social services are essential for both veterans and their spouses.