Military acculturation and readjustment to the civilian context.

Abstract

Objective: Attitudes and beliefs related to immersion in military culture can affect postseparation transition to the civilian setting. The etiology and complexity of these reactions are often overlooked by mental health providers, which can result in negative consequences for treatment. This qualitative study examined veterans' perceptions of military culture and the impact of military service on veterans' values, beliefs, and behaviors. The goal of this research was to identify aspects of military culture that are important for health care providers to consider as they care for veterans and to inform culturally sensitive mental health care for veterans. Method: Fifty-two military veterans completed a self-report survey and participated in semistructured focus groups. Results: Participants reported diverse military experiences, and many endorsed a high level of continuing identification with aspects of military culture. Seven broad themes related to military culture emerged from qualitative analyses: (a) military values, beliefs, and behaviors; (b) relationships; (c) occupational habits and practices; (d) acquired skills; (e) communication; (f) affiliation; and (g) psychological health and well-being. Conclusion: This thematic analysis elucidated strategies to improve mental health services for veterans, using a nuanced model that encourages providers to better distinguish aspects of cultural transition from psychopathology. Results underscored the

Body image and appearance distress among military veterans and civilians with an injury-related visible difference: A comparison study

“…The former may indicate veterans taking pride in their service and seeking recognition, potentially guarding against misperceptions or emasculation judgments related to their injuries. This aligns with values reinforced through military acculturation (McCaslin et al, 2021). The use of 'dark humour' as an adaptive strategy to cope with stress, common in the military (59), may promote morale and protect against PTSD (60).…”

“…Distinct from low self-compassion, ‘Fear of compassion’ (49) is associated with feeling undeserving, viewing compassion as a weakness that might expose flaws or infer lowered personal standards, or simply not appreciating its value. Fear of compassion might explain differences between civilians and veterans, with the latter more likely to endorse military values such as courage, stoicism, and collectivism (50).…”

“…Distinct from low self-compassion, 'Fear of compassion' ( 49) is associated with feeling undeserving, viewing compassion as a weakness that might expose flaws or infer lowered personal standards, or simply not appreciating its value. Fear of compassion might explain differences between civilians and veterans, with the latter more likely to endorse military values such as courage, stoicism, and collectivism (50). Both psychological flexibility and self-compassion reflect a common core of mindful (i.e., open, nonjudgmental) awareness concerning emotional distress (51), and processes targeted via ACT are inherently self-compassionate.…”

Prevalence of urogenital Mycoplasma genitalium infection at two US Army medical facilities

“…28 The US Armed Forces has high racial/ethnic diversity, especially in lower ranks, and represents a unique context with universal health care and a distinct culture. 29,30 Therefore, to address racial/ethnic disparities in MG and other STIs within the US Armed Forces, contextual factors that give rise to increased STI risk need to be identified, understood, and mitigated.…”

“…Contextual factors, for example, poverty, discrimination, and incarceration, which differentially affect socially constructed racial and ethnic identities, may influence sexual behavior and networks through both direct and indirect mechanisms leading to disparities in STIs 28 . The US Armed Forces has high racial/ethnic diversity, especially in lower ranks, and represents a unique context with universal health care and a distinct culture 29,30 . Therefore, to address racial/ethnic disparities in MG and other STIs within the US Armed Forces, contextual factors that give rise to increased STI risk need to be identified, understood, and mitigated.…”