To introduce the psychological problem of war victims

Abstract

The paper shows evidence and the authors’ discussions on the consequences of the chemical warfare aimed at destroying the living environment of the people in Central Vietnam and war wounds. The authors analyze issues such as: (1) destruction of the symbolic living source, which, according to tradition,  provides the meaning of life for the local people as well as their resolving methods of the consequences;  (2) the interruption of the spiritual chain and other psychological injuries with three case studies: direct destruction of nature caused by defoliants and herbicides, indirect  impacts of these chemicals and “common” wounds of war, and the wounds of the Shaman culture of the Ta Oi, Kotu and Pako ethnic minority groups in A Luoi valley