Date of Award

1-1-2013

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Specialization

Communication and Leadership

School or Department

School of Leadership Studies

First Advisor

Dr. Pavel Shlossberg

Second Advisor

Dr. Michael Hazel

Abstract

The United States Army is struggling with the epidemic of suicide; suicide rates have never been higher and suicide has eclipsed combat as the leading cause of non-accidental death in the Army. The Army’s enhanced suicide prevention program directly seeks to address the causal factors for suicide, as well as the prevalent long-standing stereotypes and negative attitudes concerning mental health and suicide. However, conflicting communication still negatively affects change. This study uses the theories of symbolic interactionism, ritual communication, stigmatized communication, and framing to gain insight on how the circulation of contradictory messages about depression, and treatment have undermined the Army’s suicide prevention efforts by reinforcing the stigma of mental health problems and suicide. This study used 10 one-on-one interviews with behavioral health specialists and a focus group consisting of United States Army chaplains to identify key insights and themes. This research reveals that although more soldiers are seeking spiritual and/or behavioral health counseling, soldiers continue to perceive depression and overwhelming stress as shameful personal weaknesses. Five main communication sources were identified as responsible for reinforcing this perception, and transmitting contradictory messages. Further research is necessary to determine if there are practical ways to remove or minimize the intentional and unintentional transmission of contradictory messages regarding counseling, and medical intervention for depression and mental illness.

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