An empirical examination of stigma toward mental health problems and psychotherapy use in veterans and active duty service members

Goode, J., Swift, J.K. (2019). An empirical examination of stigma toward mental health problems and psychotherapy use in veterans and active duty service members. Military Psychology, 31:4, 335-345, DOI: 10.1080/08995605.2019.1630231

The stigma (i.e., negative perceptions) around mental health concerns and treatmentseeking behaviors among military service members and veterans is concerning because it may reduce the likelihood that service members and veterans seek needed mental health treatment. The purpose of this study was to understand service member and veteran attitudes toward mental health concerns and treatment-seeking behavior. A sample of active duty service members and veterans (N = 165) was randomly assigned to read one of four vignettes (i.e., short fictional story). The four vignettes included a description of a veteran with: (1) no mental health concerns and no treatment (2) mental health concerns but did not seek treatment (3) mental health concerns and sought treatment (4) no mental health concerns and sought treatment (i.e., seeking to better his life) Participants then reported their perceptions of others’ negative attitudes (i.e., public attitudes) about individuals with mental health concerns and treatment-seeking behaviors based on the vignette they were assigned. Participants also reported their personal attitudes about treatment-seeking behaviors and their self-stigma (i.e., negative perspective about oneself seeking treatment). Findings suggest that seeking treatment was viewed more positively than having mental health concerns.

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