Summary
- Major: Psychology
- Faculty Mentor: Dr. Paul Kwon
- Research Topic: Mental Health Stigmas Within the Military Community: How Hispanics/Latinx Community May be Further Affected in These Groups
- New Scholar: 2022 Cohort
- Graduating with a Baccalaureate Degree: 2025
Abstract
The public is aware of the impact Mental Health (MH) issues, yet we live in a society where we often turn a blind eye to individuals’ pain and suffering. In the military and veteran community, MH stigmas have been engraved as trivial components of their occupation overcast deeper MH issues. In the United States, military personnel report the prevalence of MH stigma, and it is estimated that nearly 60 percent of active personnel who experiences symptoms related to MH illness do not seek help. This is attributed to a military culture that promotes confidence among soldiers. Service members believe that by admitting suffering from MH problems, they will likely be treated as weak. On the other hand, cultural stigma among Latinos, a culture that promotes family ties, contributes to MH stigma among the Latino military community. It mainly prioritizes family needs over individual needs, which may deter soldiers from this ethnic community from seeking MH treatment. Surveys will be conducted through questionnaires to collect qualitive data, participants will have a chance to opt in for a follow-up if they struggle with finding psychotherapy resources. Results of this research will advance understanding on how ethnic and minority groups are further affected by previous MH stigmas when incorporated into a group that reinforces these negative patterns and behaviors.