Abstract

Abstract

Mental health problems among service members and veterans continue to be one of the many challenges that service members encounter. Clearly, the cultural, structural, and institutional barriers that exacerbate these concerns need to be urgently identified. Extensive interventions include resiliency training, policies assuring confidentiality, and awareness campaigns; however, stigma is a powerful reason why service members avoid mental health treatment. The paper reviews the development of military mental health awareness throughout history, the multidimensional construct of stigma, public, self, and structural forms, and the role of perceived career risk in modulating help-seeking behavior. Social identity theory and labeling theory provide conceptual frameworks for interpreting why stigma continues to be an issue despite policy change. The paper further describes the consequences of untreated mental health on individual well-beings and the functionality of the family unit. Historical case studies from World War I to more modern day conflict, including Vietnam, the Gulf War, and operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, demonstrate how cultural norms and operational imperatives have fostered a stigmatizing climate. Finally, approaches to reducing stigma, optimizing policy implementation, and developing a supportive military culture are discussed thoroughly. In particular, understanding the complex interrelatedness between cultural, institutional, and individual factors is crucial for enhancing psychological resilience, sustaining operational preparedness, and supporting service members throughout their military and post-military careers.

Year Manuscript Completed

Fall 2025

Senior Project Advisor

Professor Scott Douglas

Degree Awarded

Bachelor of Integrated Studies Degree

Field of Study

Human Services

Document Type

Thesis

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