Date
5-16-2024
Department
School of Behavioral Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)
Chair
Frederick A. Volk
Keywords
healthcare avoidance, mental health, PTSD, depression, anxiety, Army, aviation, military, pilots, aircrews, air traffic control, unmanned aerial vehicles
Disciplines
Aviation | Psychology
Recommended Citation
Raus, Aric James, "Barriers to Mental Health Treatment Among U.S. Army Aviation Personnel" (2024). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 5522.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/5522
Abstract
Safe and effective Army aviation operations require a clear focus from all involved. Yet, after more than two decades of U.S. combat aviation operations, little is known about the barriers experienced by aviators when considering mental health evaluation and treatment. An extensive literature review found no published studies examining mental health treatment hesitance among Army Aviation personnel or the perceived acceptability of self-help treatment options. This study identifies the relationships between age, gender, and aviation career specialty on the self-disclosed instrumental, attitudinal, and stigma-based barriers to care among U.S. Army aviation personnel. Additionally, the research determines relationships between the population’s demographic variables and their perceived acceptability of evidence-based, self-help treatment options delivered in non-clinical settings. These results add to the literature on aviator healthcare avoidance while providing a basis for improved outreach and treatment of aviation personnel. Ultimately, these findings provide details necessary to improve operational safety and the mental wellness of Army aviation professionals.
