Atomic veterans and their families: responses to radiation exposure.
In-depth interviews with seven atomic veterans and their families indicated powerful psychological effects on all family members from exposure to low-level ionizing radiation. Four themes emerged: the invalidation of their experiences by government and other authority figures; family concerns about genetic effects on future generations; family members' desire to protect each other from fears of physical consequences; and desire to leave a record of their experiences to help prevent future suffering.
Murphy
B C
BC
Department of Psychology, Wheaton College, Norton, Mass.
Ellis
P
P
Greenberg
S
S
D000016:Abnormalities, Radiation-Induced / Q000523:psychology; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003717:Denial, Psychological; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000523:psychology; D009689:Nuclear Warfare; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000523:psychology*; D012803:Sick Role; D013534:Survival / Q000523:psychology*; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*