Examining the cognitive and psychological functioning of former Vietnam -era prisoners of war (VPOWs) using a mixed methodology design

The present study was designed to explore the experience and current cognitive and psychological functioning of former Prisoners of War from the Vietnam era (VPOWs) using a mixed methodology research design. Seven former VPOWs participated in the study.;The experience of VPOWs was examined through an assessment of degree of combat experience (Combat Exposure Scale, CES) and an interview designed to elicit information regarding each veteran's experience in the military, as a POW, and subsequent to POW release. Psychological functioning was examined through completion of two psychological assessment measures designed to assess the presence and severity of depression (Beck Depression Inventory-second edition; BDI-II) and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (Penn Inventory for PTSD; PENN). The cognitive functioning of former VPOWs was assessed through performance on the Dementia Rating Scale-second edition (DRS-2) and two subtests of the Wechsler Memory Scale-third edition (WMS-III).;Responses to interview questions and the CES suggest this group of former prisoners endured both traumatic combat and prisoner experiences during their military careers. Despite these experiences, this group of former prisoners generally presents with favorable psychological, cognitive, and psychoogcial functioning. Psychological and cognitive testing results do not show difficulties with depression or PTSD nor impairments in memory or general thinking abilities. Interviews with former VPOWs indicated various coping mechanisms were utilized to assist them in navigating the challenging occurrences of their months and/or years as prisoners. In addition, personality characteristics such as perseverance and optimism seemed to have helped them to withstand the experiences endured while in captivity.;Interviews further suggest the experiences of this group of former VPOWs have contributed to an increased level of self-understanding, more realistic selfand other-expectations, and for some, increased spiritual fulfillment. Finally, most participants reported they have an increased appreciation for life and living since their time as prisoners and have a better understanding of the commonalities between individuals (i.e., that "we are all human"). Overall, this group of former VPOWs is functioning at an optimal level, particularly in light of the severely traumatizing experiences they endured during their captivity in the prison camps of Vietnam.