As society has changed dramatically over time, so have its expectations for how men and women behave. These changes are reflected in their roles within the armed forces. While traditional gender roles may no longer be as rigid as they once were, military culture is still largely based on traditional masculine and feminine stereotypes.
When it comes to seeking help with mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), soldiers who identify with these ideals often fear that doing so will make them appear weak or less capable than their peers. In fact, this reluctance can lead to worse outcomes for both male and female soldiers suffering from PTSD.
The ideal soldier embodies strength, courage, toughness, and stoicism - all qualities that contradict the idea of asking for help when needed. Soldiers are expected to be able to handle difficult situations without showing signs of vulnerability or emotion. This pressure to maintain an image of invincibility makes seeking support seem like an admission of failure, which is seen as unacceptable in the military context. As a result, many male soldiers struggle to accept their need for psychological support and may avoid it altogether, even when it could improve their performance.
Female soldiers face similar challenges. The traditional view of women in the military is one of subservience and deference to male authority figures, which conflicts with their desire for independence and autonomy. Women who seek help for sexual assault or other trauma can face judgment or stigmatization, making them hesitant to speak up about their experiences. This can have serious consequences for their careers and well-being.
The internalization of societal gender roles within the armed forces leads to poorer mental health outcomes for both men and women. By recognizing the damaging effects of these stereotypes on soldiers' willingness to seek relational support, we can begin to address them through better education, training, and policy changes.
Creating a more inclusive and supportive environment will benefit everyone involved in the military community.
How does the internalization of societal ideals of military masculinity or femininity affect soldiers' willingness to seek relational support?
The internalization of societal ideals of military masculinity or femininity can have a significant impact on soldiers' willingness to seek relational support during times of crisis. These ideals often include the expectation that individuals should be emotionally stoic and self-sufficient, which can lead to feelings of shame or embarrassment when seeking help from others.