Date

8-9-2024

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)

Chair

Ralph Ogburn

Keywords

Military, Underreporting, Alcohol Use, Avoidance Coping, Social Desirability, Ethnography

Disciplines

Psychology

Abstract

Understanding the dynamics of alcohol reporting among U.S. military members is crucial for promoting their well-being and for developing effective support programs. Yet current research often overlooks the issue of potential underreporting of alcohol use among U.S. military members. This study aimed to address this gap by exploring the phenomenon of underreporting alcohol use among military personnel. This qualitative study utilized an ethnographic research method to investigate the experiences of 35 U.S. military members with various military statuses. The research questions explored the perception of the prevalence and causes of underreporting of alcohol use and possible remedies for underreporting, framed within avoidance coping and social desirability bias. Through semi-structured interviews, eight themes emerged: confirmation of underreporting, denial of underreporting, psychological barriers to reporting, avoidance of formal support services, social and career implications, social and cultural shifts, mitigating consequences and fear, and doubts about helpful solutions. The findings emphasize the need for cultural and organizational changes within military settings to support service members in disclosing alcohol-related concerns without any fear of repercussions. This study calls for prioritizing destigmatizing help-seeking behaviors and fostering transparent reporting systems to ensure the well-being of U.S. military members.

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