Gender-Based Stigma, Perceived Stress, and Anxiety among Military Women in a Predominantly Male Training Environment
Abstract
Individuals affected by stigma tend to experience excess stress during their lifetime, contributing to poorer physical and mental health outcomes. The U.S military has been historically restricted to males and is presently male-dominated, yet no studies to date have evaluated gender-based stigma experienced by females in the context of the military. It was hypothesized that female Marine officers at The Basic School (TBS) Basic Officer Course (BOC), a predominantly male military training environment, who reported gender-based stigma would report greater perceived stress and anxiety. In addition, it was hypothesized that coping would mediate this putative association. Resilience was also hypothesized to moderate this relationship. Participants completed self-report survey measures at the conclusion of TBS BOC training, and linear regressions were used to examine associations between stigma, perceived stress, and anxiety. A majority of participants reported at least one experience of gender-based stigma during their time in the military. There was no significant association between the presence of stigma and perceived stress or anxiety. Secondary analyses indicated significant associations between gender-based stigma when assessed both continuously and dichotomously and greater odds of reporting symptoms of anxiety. Examinations of coping style as a mediator and resilience as a moderator also did not yield significant results. Experiences of gender-based stigma may be common among military women, and these may be associated with greater odds of reporting anxiety. Longitudinal examinations of experiences of intersectional stigma and mental health are needed to fully discern the relationship and the multiple levels of stigma individuals may experience.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 04, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1186206
Entities
People
- Shannon L Exley
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences