Abstract
The present study evaluated the effects of a psycho-educational intervention and previous therapy experience on attitudes toward and perceptions of stigma about mental health treatment in veterans and currently serving military members. Participants (pre-test N = 155 pre; post-test N = 127 post) completed self-report inventories measuring attitude toward psychological help-seeking, perceptions of self-stigma, and perceptions of social stigma. After three weeks participants were sent a psycho-educational intervention containing an informational flyer and a video link to watch. Three weeks later participants again completed the self-report inventories. Contrary to what was hypothesized, one sample t-tests showed that attitudes were positive and perceptions of self-stigma and social stigma were low in this sample at baseline. Additionally, repeated measures t-tests revealed no significant differences in attitudes, self-stigma, or social stigma post-intervention compared to baseline, which may indicate ineffectiveness of the psycho-educational intervention. Independent samples t-tests showed that individuals with positive previous therapy experience had more positive attitudes and lower perceptions of self-stigma at baseline than those with negative or neutral previous therapy experience. These results were not maintained post-intervention. However, post-hoc analyses showed differences in individuals with previous therapy experience (positive, neutral, and negative). Clinical implications, limitations, and future directions were discussed.