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Psychiatric stigma in the military
1Department of Psychiatry, National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD 20889-5600.
Military Medicine
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Fear of career impact often prevents active duty military members from seeking mental health care. However, a survey of commanding officers found neutral attitudes, suggesting fears may be unfounded.
Area of Science:
- Military Medicine
- Mental Health Services
- Occupational Psychology
Background:
- Mental health stigma can negatively impact military careers.
- Service members may avoid care due to fear of career repercussions.
- Understanding command attitudes is crucial for addressing this issue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the legitimacy of fears regarding career consequences for seeking mental health care among active duty service members.
- To assess commanding officers' attitudes towards service members utilizing mental health services.
Main Methods:
- Survey distributed to 252 USN (Navy) and USMC (Marine Corps) commanding and executive officers.
- 138 officers responded to the survey.
- Attitudes towards service members receiving mental health and other services were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Overall responses from commanding officers were neutral.
- Few negative evaluations were reported for service members who had received mental health services.
- The study suggests fears of adverse career consequences may be exaggerated.
Conclusions:
- Military healthcare providers should actively work to reduce mental illness stigma.
- Addressing service members' fears about seeking mental health care is essential.
- Command attitudes appear more neutral than feared, encouraging care-seeking behavior.