Soldiers' Recognition and Response to Mental Health Problems: Using Vignettes to Elicit Attitudes and Barriers to Help Seeking

ABSTRACT

The authors investigated soldiers' conceptions of the causes, consequences, and treatment of common mental disorders. A vignette approach used to explore public beliefs was adapted to the military context, where heightened concerns about disclosure may impede timely recognition and response to problems. At 3 posts, 1,590 participants responded to a randomly assigned vignette depicting a soldier experiencing a mental health problem. Across vignettes, problem recognition was high; a majority endorsed the benefits of getting treatment. Yet numerous concerns serve as barriers to help-seeking.

KEYWORDS:

• Mental health behavioral symptoms
• mental health disorders
• mental health
• service provider education
• military
• Army

Acknowledgments

We wish to thank the three Army installations and post liaisons who supported the Opening Doors survey. We also appreciate expert guidance from the military survey team at Westat, which designed a sampling plan, adhered to critical security measures, and conducted survey administration. We also wish to acknowledge Dr. Danielle Catona who provided key support with preparation for survey implementation. Vignette development was supported by an expert advisory panel, including academic researchers and retired military officers. Dr. Ann Stueve provided critical input during the conceptualization of the vignette approach and design of the research plan.

Funding

Funding for this study was provided by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program, Grant Number W81XWH-11-2-0051.