The Stigma of Mental Health Problems in the Military

2007/02/01 by Tiffany M. Greene-Shortridge, Tiffany M. Greene‐Shortridge, Thomas W. Britt +2 · 458 citations
Medicine · Nursing · Psychology · #Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development #Clinical psychology #Context (archaeology) #Family medicine #Medicine #Mental Health Treatment and Access #Mental health #Military personnel #Nursing #Psychiatry #Psychological intervention #Psychology #Public health #Social psychology #Social stigma #Stigma (botany) #Suicide and Self-Harm Studies

paper · pdf · doi:10.7205/milmed.172.2.157

published in Military Medicine 172(2), 157-161 (Oxford University Press)

openalex publication_date 2007/02/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29

Abstract

The present review addresses the perceived stigma associated with admitting a mental health problem and seeking help for that problem in the military. Evidence regarding the public stigma associated with mental disorders is reviewed, indicating that the public generally holds negative stereotypes toward individuals with psychological problems, leading to potential discrimination toward these individuals. The internalization of these negative beliefs results in self-stigma, leading to reduced self-esteem and motivation to seek help. Even if soldiers form an intention to seek help for their psychological difficulty, barriers to mental health care may prevent the soldier from receiving the help they need. An overall model is proposed to illustrate how the stigma associated with psychological problems can prevent soldiers getting needed help for psychological difficulties and proposed interventions for reducing stigma in a civilian context are considered for military personnel.

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