Date of Award/Publication

4-30-2012

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

First Supervisor

Nancy Bowllan

Abstract

It has been clinically observed and the literature concurs that military service members often fail to access mental health services in spite of availability of care. The reasons for failure to access care appear to be that military service members are fearful of accessing mental health services for fear of being stigmatized. Failure to receive care for mental health problems can result in deleterious results, some of which may culminate in inability to function or even loss of life. Additionally, failure to access mental health care can result in massive monetary costs in terms of loss and replacement of personnel for the Armed Forces. The purpose of this paper is to investigate military personnel's attitudes towards mental illness, the effects of stigma on those who attempt to access mental health care and to explore possible cultural alternatives that would foster positive approaches to obtaining mental health care.

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