Veteran identity as a protective factor: A grounded theory comparison of perceptions of self, illness, and treatment among veterans and non-veterans with schizophrenia

Abstract

ABSTRACT For individuals with severe mental illness, relatively little is known about the impact of a veteran role identity. Consequently, this article investigates whether veterans (n = 20) and non-veterans (n = 26) with schizophrenia differ in their perceptions of self, illness, or treatment. Participants completed an audiotaped, semistructured interview that was transcribed and coded using modified grounded theory. Veterans were more likely than non-veterans to discuss the following themes: (1) wanting to be “normal,” (2) having a military mindset, (3) being optimistic toward the future, (4) resisting stigma, and (5) having active treatment attitudes. Findings support the theory that identifying as a veteran has several protective factors that might help shape self-perception and thereby responses to stigma, attitudes toward treatment, and hope for the future.