A Scoping Review of Military Culture, Military Identity, and Mental Health Outcomes in Military Personnel
Journal Publication ResearchOnline@JCUAbstract
Introduction: The military is a unique cultural institution that significantly influences its members, contributing to the development and transformation of their identities. Despite growing interest in identity research in the military, challenges persist in the conceptualisation of military identity, including understanding how it forms, assessing the influence of military culture on identity development, and evaluating the implications for mental health. The primary objective of this scoping review was to map the complexities of military culture’s impact on military identity and its effects on mental health. Materials & Methods: A scoping review of the literature was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute Scoping Review Methodology. Studies were included if they described military culture, military identity, and mental health, resulting in 65 eligible studies. The extracted data were thematically analysed to identify how military culture impacts military identity, and mental health and wellbeing. Results: Multiple identities were evident within the military population, with two over-arching identities, loyal, and military, overall conferring positive mental health outcomes. Where these identities were hidden or disrupted poorer mental health outcomes were observed. Conclusion: The scoping review conducted in this study challenges the notion of military identity as a singular concept promoting positive mental health outcomes. It highlights its multifaceted nature, revealing that individuals may face identity concealment and disruptions during periods of transition or adjustment, resulting in adverse mental health outcomes. To capture the complexity of military identity the authors developed the Military Identity Model (MIM). Military leaders, policymakers, and healthcare professionals are encouraged to recognise the complex nature of military identity and its impact on mental health and wellbeing. We recommend using the MIM to explore military identity and adjustment-related difficulties.
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Military Medicine
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1930-613X
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Pages Count
12
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Oxford University Press
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DOI
10.1093/milmed/usae276