Stigma and Stereotyping of Veterans who May Benefit from a Psychiatric Service Dog

A Test of the Stereotype Content Model and Weiner’s Attribution-Affect-Action Model

Dados Bibliográficos

ID22158308
AutoresLinzi Williamson (0000-0001-7515-5961, University of Saskatchewan), Daniel Pelletier (0000-0003-0741-5615, University of Saskatchewan), Maryellen Gibson (0000-0002-9408-0720, University of Saskatchewan), Paul de Groot (0000-0002-9037-203X, autor correspondente), Joanne Moss (autor correspondente), Colleen Anne Dell (0000-0003-4216-1606, University of Saskatchewan, autor correspondente)
Ano2023
Volume9
Fascículo1
Páginas73-89
Data de publicação2023-03-22
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoJournal of Veterans Studies (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 2470-4768 • E-ISSN: 2470-4768
EditoraVirginia Tech Libraries (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.21061/jvs.v9i1.411
OpenAlexW4367019874
IdiomaEN
Referências citadas69

Among veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and comorbid substance use disorder (SUD), stigma has been identified as a frequent barrier to help-seeking and treatment. Stigma can also lead to the activation of stereotypes and discrimination. Increasingly, veterans are relying on psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) to aid in managing their PTSD and comorbid SUD. Consumer demand currently exceeds the availability of PSDs in Canada, and very few individuals can afford a PSD independently. This study examined the stigma and stereotyping of Canadian veterans needing a PSD using two theoretical models of stereotyping and stigma. Hypotheses were mostly supported. The veteran with PTSD was positively stereotyped by participants and was considered part of the normative social “in-group.” Participants were more willing to support these individuals in their acquisition of a PSD. In contrast, a veteran with SUD was more negatively stereotyped and stigmatized. Societal perceptions of veterans with PTSD may be more positive than previous research findings. However, an accompanying SUD may counteract this and result in stigma, negative stereotyping, and decreased civilian support for veterans accessing PSDs. Future research on these issues is warranted, including the development and testing of interventions aimed at addressing beliefs about SUD and increasing empathy and compassion for individuals with SUD

Attribution · Compassion · Empathy · Normative · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Child Abuse and Trauma · Clinical Psychology · Human-Animal Interaction Studies · Psychology · Social Psychology