Culture, Ceremonialism, and Stress: American Indian Veterans and the Vietnam War

Abstract

Posttraumatic stress disorder is apparently widespread among veterans of the Vietnam War. Moreover, minority veterans seem to have higher levels of stress than their white counterparts. Although there are no extensive studies of American Indian Vietnam veterans, they also show signs of PTSD. Some Indian veterans, however, apparently are working through the problems associated with PTSD for two reasons. They have been helped by traditional tribal ceremonies, and they have been given some recognition for participating in the war by their communities. Culture and ceremonialism are probably important aspects of veteran readjustment and deserve further examination.