Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) veterans are acquiring disabilities during deployment with the two most... Show moreOperation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) veterans are acquiring disabilities during deployment with the two most common disabilities being Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Past research has shown that persons with disabilities are stigmatized and often held personally responsible for their disabilities. The present study utilized Bernard Weiner’s theory of attribution to investigate whether (1) type of disability, (2) disability context, (3) level of familiarity, or (4) political ideology influences whether or not the returning OIF/OEF veterans with disabilities population are blamed for their disabilities. One hundred and seventy-seven undergraduate students read a short vignette of a veteran who sustained a disability, and completed measures of stigmatizing attributions, political ideology, and familiarity with persons with disabilities. Results showed a significant relationship to disability context and stigmatizing attributions of blame. Specifically, veterans who sustained their injuries as a result of not following their commander’s orders were seen as more personally responsible for their disability than veterans who sustained their injuries while following their commander’s orders. No significant relationships between disability type, political ideology, or level of familiarity were found. Recommendations for reducing stigmatizing societal barriers when veterans with disabilities reintegrate back into civilian life and future research studies are discussed. M.S. in Psychology, May 2014 Show less
Query
(-) mods_name_creator_namePart_mt:"Ellefson, Sarah Elisabeth"
