There is significant evidence that combat exposure has negative effects on mental health outcomes for both male and female veterans. In addition, studies have found that concealing one's gender identity can also have adverse consequences for mental health outcomes.
There has been less research on how these two factors may intersect to impact psychological wellbeing and relational stability. This article explores how concealed identities interact with combat exposure to influence psychological wellbeing and relational stability among veterans.
Female veterans who conceal their gender identity while serving in combat are more likely to experience higher levels of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than those who do not conceal their gender identity, according to a study conducted by Barker et al. (2018). This effect was particularly pronounced among women who served in units where they were the minority sex. The authors suggest that the need to maintain secrecy about one's gender identity may exacerbate the negative effects of combat exposure by increasing feelings of isolation and decreasing access to social support. Male veterans who conceal their sexual orientation while serving in combat may be at increased risk for depression and suicidality, as demonstrated by a study by Kelley et al. (2019). These findings suggest that concealing one's sexual orientation may contribute to the development or worsening of mental health problems during and after military service.
Individuals who are actively involved in combat but keep their true self hidden from others (e.g., closeted gay soldiers) may experience difficulties forming relationships outside of the military due to fear of discrimination and stigma. In addition, these individuals may struggle to open up emotionally to romantic partners out of fear that their secret will be discovered. Conversely, some veterans who identify with both their sexual orientation and gender identity report feeling freer to express themselves authentically in civilian life, which can lead to greater relational stability and wellbeing.
This is not always the case, as research has found that some LGBTQ+ veterans face discrimination even after leaving active duty (Gardner & McDonnell, 2017; Wennerstrom & Glass, 2014). As such, it is important for mental health providers to be aware of the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ veterans when providing treatment.
How do concealed identities interact with combat exposure to influence psychological wellbeing and relational stability?
Concealing one's identity involves hiding certain aspects of oneself from others, which can have both positive and negative impacts on mental health. Combat exposure refers to experiencing traumatic events during military service that can also affect mental health. Research suggests that concealing one's identity may be related to reduced social support, increased loneliness, and decreased access to social resources, all of which are associated with worse mental health outcomes.