Social support moderates the relation between PTSD severity and self-reported stigma in a sample of U.S. military Veterans

Introduction: Research suggests that stigma, social support, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are related, although the nature of relations among these constructs remains unclear, particularly among military Veterans. This study investigated the extent to which perceived social support at two relevant time frames (during deployment and current) moderated the relationship between self-stigma and PTSD severity, wherein self-stigma was assessed using a questionnaire that queried attitudes and beliefs about a Veteran seeking mental health care. Methods: The present sample included 58 U.S. military Veterans who had served combat deployments as part of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom (79.3% men, 20.7% women; 46.6% Black/African American, 41% white). The authors tested the potential moderating effects of both unit support and current social support on the relationship between PTSD severity and self-rated stigma. Results: Generally, self-stigma was significantly positively correlated with PTSD severity and inversely correlated with social support. Current support significantly moderated the relationship between PTSD and stigma, including job-related stigma and anticipated discrimination. Post hoc tests showed a significant positive association between PTSD severity and self-stigma for participants at low and moderate levels of current support, but there was also a non-significant relationship for participants reporting the highest level of current support. Unit support was not a significant moderator. Discussion: These findings suggest that although PTSD severity and self-stigma are significantly correlated, this relationship may be moderated by current social support. Among Veterans with limited support, PTSD severity is more strongly associated with self-stigma, which is a significant barrier to care.