Narrating the sociocultural experience and management of stigma related to military caregiving
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Roscoe, R. A. (2024). Narrating the sociocultural experience and management of stigma related to military caregiving. Health Communication. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/10410236.2024.2360177
Abstract Created by REACH:
The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how the caregivers of Veterans or Service members with posttraumatic stress experience and manage various types of stigma. 15 military spouses were interviewed about their caregiving experiences. A narrative thematic analysis yielded 4 categories of stigmatized experiences and several corresponding stigma management strategies. Overall, stigma rooted in gendered and military sociocultural contexts created multiple double binds for caregivers. The caregivers managed stigma with a range of complex strategies, each with advantages and disadvantages, and often juggled multiple, sometimes contradictory, strategies to stave off stigma for themselves and their spouses.
Focus:
Mental health
Physical health
Veterans
Other
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Army
Navy
Marine Corps
Coast Guard
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Subject Affiliation:
Spouse of service member or veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Methodology:
Qualitative Study
Authors:
Roscoe, Rikki A.
Abstract:
Despite accelerating the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded veterans and saving the U.S. substantial sums in avoided long-term care costs, military caregivers (MCs) are an underserved community lacking resources and support. On top of managing a variety of emotional, physical, relational, and occupational challenges, MCs experience stigma. Indeed, caregiving can be a stigmatized task, especially for military-affiliated individuals who may be expected to adhere to cultural norms of personal sacrifice and resilience in the face of adversity. The current study uses narrative inquiry to better understand the unique experiences and characteristics of MCs providing care for veterans experiencing posttraumatic stress. Specifically, this study examined MCs’ narratives to uncover the sociocultural experience and management of stigma related to military caregiving. Interviews with 15 military caregivers of veterans experiencing PTS demonstrated that military caregivers experienced stigma for 1) staying in the relationship, 2) enabling the veteran, 3) mismanaging the condition, and 4) flaking on plans and relationships. In response to stigma, MCs often challenged stigma through strategies of denial or evasion of responsibility. This study contributes to communication scholarship by introducing co-stigma management and further interrogating processes related to stigma management communication. In addition, the results can inform Veteran Affairs (VA) healthcare, caregiver assistance programs, health practices, and support-seeking behaviors.
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Featured Research
Keywords:
military caregiver, stigma, military caregiving, experiences, management
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
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