Trainers and Trainees of Military Institutions: Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Emotional Well-being, Life Satisfaction, Perceived Stigma and Barriers to Seeking Mental Health Services

Subedar F Antony Fernandes
Pondicherry University, Puducherry.
Theja Prabhakar
Aarupadai Veedu Medical College and Hospital, Puducherry.
A. Antioch Eusebius
St. Joseph’s University, Bengaluru

Pages: 408-416

Health encompasses total physical, mental, and social well-being, not just the absence
of disease. The educational institutions play a pivotal role in imparting education and
preparing individuals for eventualities. However, military training institutions might differ
from educational institutions in that the military training institutions focus on discipline
and sturdiness for future eventualities in ensuring the safety of the country’s borders.
The present paper investigates psychological variables such as depression, anxiety,
stress, emotional well-being, life satisfaction, perceived stigma, and barriers to seeking
mental health services among the personnel and students of military training institutes.
A cross-sectional study involving 274 participants, including Army Officers, Civilian
Academic Officers, contract-based Civilian Academic Officers, teaching Subordinate
Staff, and students from military training institutions. Data was gathered using
questionnaires focused on perceived barriers, stigma, obstacles in seeking professional
mental health support, and demographic details. The results found that most of the
participants had a favorable psychological makeup. The research reinforces that military
training is practical and optimistic, and the paper discusses further implications