Stress, Strain, and Vietnam

This bibliography collects and summarizes published observations, research findings, opinions, and conclusions of mental health professionals, social scientists, and other trained observers regarding the effects of the Vietnam War on those Americans who fought in it. The 851 citations span the years from 1965, when large numbers of U.S. combat troops were first committed in Vietnam, through 1987. The authors have included primarily psychiatric, social, and behavioral science publications. These are augmented with personal narratives of those who served, descriptions by and reactions of war correspondents, and historical reviews of the war and the period, including observations and analyses of the war's effect on the combat soldier. Although selections were limited to materials in generally accessible sources--periodicals, journals, books, monographs, and government reports--articles from the popular press were included if they were written by behavioral science professionals or firsthand observations from Vietnam of an especially insightful nature. The volume is arranged topically and is divided into three major parts: service in Vietnam, veteran adaptation, and social and institutional context. Of particular value are the abstracts that succinctly highlight each publication's critical findings, observations, and opinions. From these, the reader can easily survey the psychosocial impact of the war through the panorama of professional study and interpretation. Besides being of interest to behavioral science researchers and military historians, this unique guide to the psychosocial impact of the Vietnam War will be welcomed by medical, psychiatric, and social service workers who deal with veterans as well as the military planners, administrators, and policy makers who determine their fate. In fact, anyone interested in the repercussions of the Vietnam War will find Stress, Strain, and Vietnam a valuable reference and digest.