title: The Predictive Effects of Work Environment on Stigma Toward and Practical Concerns for Seeking Mental Health Services.
abstract: The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate factors in the work environment of the U.S. military that influence barriers toward seeking help from mental health. In particular, this study investigated the effects of gender, pay grade, satisfaction of work, coworkers, leaders, and perceived hostility in the workplace on practical concerns for and stigma toward seeking help from mental health services. A sample of 22,792 was drawn from the 2012 Workplace and Gender Relations Survey. The results revealed the crucial roles of work environments for stigma toward seeking help from mental health services. Being female or an officer are significant predictors for greater stigma toward and practical concerns that impede seeking help from mental health professionals in comparison to being male or an enlisted officer. Furthermore, higher workplace hostility, lower satisfaction toward leaders, coworkers, and one's work were all significant predictors for greater stigma toward and practical concerns for seeking help. This study revealed the vital roles of work environments in the military that influence stigma toward and practical concerns for seeking help from mental health professionals. Some implications and recommendations for prevention and intervention for underutilization of mental health services are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, 1094 SWKT, Provo, UT 84602.
authors.forename: Niwako
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Yamawaki
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, 1094 SWKT, Provo, UT 84602.
authors.forename: Clinton
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, 1094 SWKT, Provo, UT 84602.
authors.forename: Brooke E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Dresden
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychological Science, Northern Arizona University, 5 East McConnell Drive, SBS No. 228, Flagstaff, AZ 86011.
authors.forename: Gregory L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Busath
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, 1094 SWKT, Provo, UT 84602.
authors.forename: Christina E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Riley
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D055826:Afghan Campaign 2001-; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D054542:Iraq War, 2003-2011; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D057545:Social Stigma; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017132:Workplace / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data