Özet:

The aim of the current study was to investigate the severity and presence of PTSD symptoms and the relationship between PTSD and suicidal ideation and hopelessness level among Turkish Cypriot war veterans who were in 1958, 1963, and 1974 Cyprus wars with Greek Cypriots. It was hypothesized that, PTSD symptoms increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and the level of hopelessness. The sample of this study formed from 61 Turkish Cypriot veterans who were fought in 1958, 1963, and 1974 Cyprus wars with Greek Cypriots. There are 4 section of this study. They are respectively, Socio-demographic Form which was structured by researcher to get general information, Clinician-Administrated PTSD Scale (CAPS) which diagnoses the PTSD criteria’s, Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) to determine the hopelessness level, and Suicidal Behavior Scale (SBS) to investigate the suicidal ideations. The data were gathered from veterans who live in Nicosia, Famagusta, and Kyrenia. The results of this study as it was expected showed that, 86,9% of Turkish Cypriot veterans showed higher level of PTSD symptoms and relatedly they have higher suicidal ideations or attempts and hopelessness.  It was indicated that, even after 40 years of war, the effects of PTSD could be seen on veterans.  

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