Comparison of stress, anxiety, depression and cognitive flexibility in veteran and non-veteran children

The main purpose of this study is to compare stress, anxiety, depression and cognitive flexibility in veterans and non-veteran children in 2017. This is a causal-comparative study. To do this, 136 people (68 veteran children and 68 non-veteran children) from Rasht city were examined by available method. Groups were matched in terms of demographic characteristics (age, gender, and education). All of them responded to the Lovibond DASS21 questionnaires (1995) and Dennis & Vander Wal Cognitive Flexibility Inventory (2010). Data were examined by multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) with spss23 software. The research findings showed that there was a significant difference between veterans and non-veteran children regarding stress and cognitive flexibility, and there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of anxiety and depression. On this basis, it is possible to generally point out the importance of father's role in mental health and the personality of children. In particular, it can be said that veterans' children incur more pressure and are more vulnerable according to their living conditions. Hence, the counseling measures and empowerment of the study group will be necessary.