Gender Differences in Depression and Suicidality among Veterans following Military Trauma

Natalie K Rochester, Tennessee State University

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the differences of women and men in response to military trauma whether resulting from combat or noncombat types of exposure. The high rate of suicide among veterans is a major social issue in the United States. The masculine culture of the military is unlike the general population in many ways, such as the prevailing pressure to act with strength and courage at all times; therefore, the manner in which men and women react to various types of service-related trauma may be unique as well. One hundred sixty-eight male and female veterans or currently serving members of the United States military completed four measures. A MANCOVA and two linear regressions were performed and accounted for non-military trauma. The findings indicate that there are no gender differences in depression or suicidality regardless of military trauma type. Veterans who experienced any type of military trauma did report higher rates of depression and suicidality than those who had not experienced military trauma when non-military trauma was accounted for; however, there were no differences between trauma type. Additionally, veterans who endorsed more traditional masculine beliefs also had greater levels of depression and suicidality than those who endorsed less traditional masculine beliefs. A secondary analysis indicates that for this sample success dedication, inhibited affection, and exaggerated self-reliance are associated with higher levels of depression, while restrictive emotionality was not. Restrictive emotionality, inhibited affection, and exaggerated self-reliance were related to higher endorsement of suicidality and success dedication was not.

Subject Area

Counseling Psychology|Clinical psychology|Gender studies

Recommended Citation

Natalie K Rochester, "Gender Differences in Depression and Suicidality among Veterans following Military Trauma" (2018). ETD Collection for Tennessee State University. Paper AAI10837664.
https://digitalscholarship.tnstate.edu/dissertations/AAI10837664

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