Stigma and Stereotyping of Veterans who May Benefit from a Psychiatric Service Dog: A Test of the Stereotype Content Model and Weiner’s Attribution-Affect-Action Model

Among veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and comorbid substance use disorder (SUD), stigma has been identified as a frequent barrier to help-seeking and treatment. Stigma can also lead to the activation of stereotypes and discrimination. Increasingly, veterans are relying on psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) to aid in managing their PTSD and comorbid SUD. Consumer demand currently exceeds the availability of PSDs in Canada, and very few individuals can afford a PSD independently. This study examined the stigma and stereotyping of Canadian veterans needing a PSD using two theoretical models of stereotyping and stigma. Hypotheses were mostly supported. The veteran with PTSD was positively stereotyped by participants and was considered part of the normative social “in-group.” Participants were more willing to support these individuals in their acquisition of a PSD. In contrast, a veteran with SUD was more negatively stereotyped and stigmatized. Societal perceptions of veterans with PTSD may be more positive than previous research findings. However, an accompanying SUD may counteract this and result in stigma, negative stereotyping, and decreased civilian support for veterans accessing PSDs. Future research on these issues is warranted, including the development and testing of interventions aimed at addressing beliefs about SUD and increasing empathy and compassion for individuals with SUD.