The Impact of Perceived Stigma and Psychosocial Factors on the Effective Utilization of Mental Health Treatment among Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans
Date of Submission
2020
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
Department
Psychology
Department Chair
Stephanie Felgoise, Ph.D., ABPP
First Advisor
Barbara Golden, Psy.D., ABPP
Second Advisor
Robert DiTomasso, Ph.D., ABPP
Third Advisor
Kerri Garruba, Psy.D.
Abstract
A recurring issue among the Operation Enduring and Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) veteran cohort has been resistance to mental health treatment due to perceived stigma and barriers to access to care. Although effectiveness of treatment is equally dependent on patient willingness and adherence, current research has yet to explore what specific factors, along with perceived stigma, may impede treatment retention. Mental health providers within the Veterans Health Administration continue to seek alternate pathways and strategies to improve treatment retention. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of perceived stigma and psychosocial factors on treatment adherence among Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans.
Participants were recruited via the Internet. They completed a detailed demographics questionnaire, the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Inventory, and the Barriers to Access to Care Evaluation. Data were analyzed on a sample of 47 participants. A significant positive correlation was identified between veterans’ perceived barriers to access and internalized stigma regarding mental health treatment. Veterans were less likely to engage in mental health treatment secondary to being unsure where to obtain professional care, obtaining adequate childcare while seeking professional care, and internalized stigma. There was no significant relationship between financial obligations and perceived stigma regarding treatment engagement. Implications of this study provided evidence for providers to increase interdisciplinary psychoeducation, reinforce existing pathways of access, consider nontraditional outpatient clinic hours, and utilize patient-centered interventions to reduce the impact of stigma on treatment adherence.
Recommended Citation
Robinson, Micah L., "The Impact of Perceived Stigma and Psychosocial Factors on the Effective Utilization of Mental Health Treatment among Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans" (2020). PCOM Psychology Dissertations. 715.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/psychology_dissertations/715