Military psychologists and cultural competence: exploring implications for the manifestation and treatment of psychological trauma in the British armed forces

Abstract

This paper considers the manifestation and treatment of psychological trauma in the military. The article describes how military psychologists conceptualise psychological trauma within the culture of the Armed Forces (AF), which is reflected in the process of acquiring what has been referred to as cultural competency. Psychologists in this context acquire an understanding of the manner in which the psychological and organisational systems and culture of the military affect the presentation of psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The paper outlines core psychological features of military life, including some of the ways in which the AF functions effectively as an adaptable fighting force. This highlights, for example, the potential for stigma within and between military personnel who experience mental health difficulties. The article proceeds to examine aspects of help-seeking in military mental healthcare, how symptoms can present at different stages in a deployment process, and the consequences that such problems can cause for military conduct and performance. Psychological care in the military is structured within an occupational mental health ethos, in which psychologists fulfil a range of clinical, organisational and leadership roles. These dynamics are explored with examples of care pathways and clarity on evidence-based interventions for trauma and PTSD in those experiencing military-related psychological injuries. Two vignettes are then offered to illustrate how some of these interventions can be used psychotherapeutically in addressing symptoms pertaining to hyperarousal, hypervigilance, guilt and shame.

Mental health and resilience in the Irish defense forces during the COVID-19 global pandemic

“…Participants in this study accessed counseling for their mental health difficulties within the DF at a lower rate than those who accessed counseling externally (8% and 26% respectively). This may be related to a perceived stigma in accessing psychological support in general, as well as within the military (Sturgeon-Clegg & McCauley, 2019 ), and fears that their mental health status will adversely affect their military career and ambitions (Gould et al, 2010 ).…”

“…Furthermore, exposure to potentially traumatic events among Australian soldiers on peacekeeping missions demonstrated increased and significant rates of psychopathology compared to a civilian sample (Forbes et al, 2016 ). Ongoing stigma around mental health and underreporting of psychological distress (Sturgeon-Clegg & McCauley, 2019 ) remains a barrier to accessing mental health services. Fear of being treated differently, or the potential impact on military career are often cited as barriers to access, even across national samples (Gould et al, 2010 ).…”

Cultural Competency Training of Medical Students among Trauma Patients: Training and Assessment Strategies

“…[ 18 20 ] Similarly, even professionals from other disciplines could be involved to assess the ability of students to collaborate with other professionals and deliver culturally sensitive trauma care. [ 14 21 ]…”

“…[ 19 ] The employment of all the above-mentioned assessment methods can aid educators in comprehensively assessing the development of cultural competency in trauma education among medical students. [ 2 13 18 19 20 21 ]…”