Commending rather than condemning: Moral elevation and stigma for male veterans with military sexual trauma

Abstract

Abstract Background Using an experimental study, we examined the link between state moral elevation and stigmatic beliefs surrounding male veterans with military sexual trauma (MST). Methods Undergraduate students were presented with a video or written narrative of a male veteran self-disclosing how they struggled with and overcame MST (n = 292). Participants completed measures regarding trait and demographic characteristics at baseline, then measures immediately after the disclosure stimulus to assess immediate elevation and stigma-related reactions. Results Results suggest state-level elevation in response to a veteran self-disclosing their experience with MST was negatively correlated with harmful stigmatic beliefs about MST. A greater predisposition to experience elevation and PTSD symptoms were linked with stronger elevation responses to the stimulus. Conclusion Findings support the need for further exploration of elevation and its potential to impact public stigma for male veterans with MST.

Keywords

• Moral elevation
• Stigma
• Military sexual assault
• Veterans