Narrating the Sociocultural Experience and Management of Stigma Related to Military Caregiving.

Abstract

Despite accelerating the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded veterans and saving the U.S. substantial sums in avoided long-term care costs, military caregivers (MCs) are an underserved community lacking resources and support. On top of managing a variety of emotional, physical, relational, and occupational challenges, MCs experience stigma. Indeed, caregiving can be a stigmatized task, especially for military-affiliated individuals who may be expected to adhere to cultural norms of personal sacrifice and resilience in the face of adversity. The current study uses narrative inquiry to better understand the unique experiences and characteristics of MCs providing care for veterans experiencing posttraumatic stress. Specifically, this study examined MCs' narratives to uncover the sociocultural experience and management of stigma related to military caregiving. Interviews with 15 military caregivers of veterans experiencing PTS demonstrated that military caregivers experienced stigma for 1) staying in the relationship, 2) enabling the veteran, 3) mismanaging the condition, and 4) flaking on plans and relationships. In response to stigma, MCs often challenged stigma through strategies of denial or evasion of responsibility. This study contributes to communication scholarship by introducing co-stigma management and further interrogating processes related to stigma management communication. In addition, the results can inform Veteran Affairs (VA) healthcare, caregiver assistance programs, health practices, and support-seeking behaviors.