{"id":{"repo_id":"uiuc","oai_identifier":"oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/108099"},"canonical_url":"https://search.dev.ndltd.org/etd/uiuc/oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/108099","repository":{"repo_id":"uiuc","name":"University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign","base_url":"https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh"},"display":{"title":"Substance use, self-stigma, and help seeking among military members: Exploring the utility of the emerging adulthood theory","abstract":"Background: Emerging adults (18-29 year olds) have the highest rates of substance use across the lifespan and many military members often have even higher rates of substance use and related consequences. Unfortunately, those most in need of mental health treatment perceive greater stigma and are less likely to pursue treatment for their past trauma or current mental health or substance use needs. Moreover, few treatments address the unique military culture or one’s developmental status when intervening. This study explored the utility of the five Emerging Adulthood Theory dimensions, a human developmental lens, to military members. It sought to understand developmental factors related to high rates of substance use among military populations, while also providing culturally responsive implications for social workers assisting this vulnerable population. In addition, it evaluated if one interview had a positive impact on substance use frequency, general help seeking behaviors, and stigma on help seeking behaviors. Methods: To answer these research questions, I completed in-depth qualitative interviews utilizing motivational interviewing spirit with 26 emerging adult military members who have high risk substance use behaviors. I asked about their experiences developing into an adult, substance use behaviors, barriers to receiving mental health treatment, and ways to reduce mental health stigma. Most interviews were conducted via Zoom (n=22) with some in-person (n=4). I collected pre-test and post-test data on substance use frequency, self-stigma, and help-seeking behaviors, with a 100% follow-up rate. Qualitative interviews were analyzed following reflexive-thematic driven analysis and were coded using Nvivo. Rigorous coding procedures integrated inter-rater and intra-rater reliability procedures. Quantitative data were cleaned and analyzed in both Excel and SPSS using dependent samples t-tests. Results: We found that this sample related to the five Emerging Adulthood Theory dimensions, but in different ways than is proposed by the theory. We believe these various themes could be attributed to their immersion in military culture. Moreover, data shows that a one-time interview has positive effects on substance use behaviors, help-seeking and stigma about mental health treatment. Follow-up data shows that the research study was well received by participants as they could share their stories, think critically about military culture, and have a genuine conversation with a social worker regarding their military experiences. Implications: Findings provide the framework to effectively support emerging adult military members with high risk substance behaviors. Future research should integrate these findings to produce culturally adaptive interventions to reduce substance use behaviors and stigma around mental health treatment while also encouraging help seeking behaviors. This study fills the literature gap of more thoroughly understanding the utility of the theory among military members. Further, these data shed light on the acceptability and feasibility of brief interventions with military members.","abstract_html":"Background: Emerging adults (18-29 year olds) have the highest rates of substance use across the lifespan and many military members often have even higher rates of substance use and related consequences. Unfortunately, those most in need of mental health treatment perceive greater stigma and are less likely to pursue treatment for their past trauma or current mental health or substance use needs. Moreover, few treatments address the unique military culture or one’s developmental status when intervening. This study explored the utility of the five Emerging Adulthood Theory dimensions, a human developmental lens, to military members. It sought to understand developmental factors related to high rates of substance use among military populations, while also providing culturally responsive implications for social workers assisting this vulnerable population. In addition, it evaluated if one interview had a positive impact on substance use frequency, general help seeking behaviors, and stigma on help seeking behaviors. Methods: To answer these research questions, I completed in-depth qualitative interviews utilizing motivational interviewing spirit with 26 emerging adult military members who have high risk substance use behaviors. I asked about their experiences developing into an adult, substance use behaviors, barriers to receiving mental health treatment, and ways to reduce mental health stigma. Most interviews were conducted via Zoom (n=22) with some in-person (n=4). I collected pre-test and post-test data on substance use frequency, self-stigma, and help-seeking behaviors, with a 100% follow-up rate. Qualitative interviews were analyzed following reflexive-thematic driven analysis and were coded using Nvivo. Rigorous coding procedures integrated inter-rater and intra-rater reliability procedures. Quantitative data were cleaned and analyzed in both Excel and SPSS using dependent samples t-tests. Results: We found that this sample related to the five Emerging Adulthood Theory dimensions, but in different ways than is proposed by the theory. We believe these various themes could be attributed to their immersion in military culture. Moreover, data shows that a one-time interview has positive effects on substance use behaviors, help-seeking and stigma about mental health treatment. Follow-up data shows that the research study was well received by participants as they could share their stories, think critically about military culture, and have a genuine conversation with a social worker regarding their military experiences. Implications: Findings provide the framework to effectively support emerging adult military members with high risk substance behaviors. Future research should integrate these findings to produce culturally adaptive interventions to reduce substance use behaviors and stigma around mental health treatment while also encouraging help seeking behaviors. This study fills the literature gap of more thoroughly understanding the utility of the theory among military members. Further, these data shed light on the acceptability and feasibility of brief interventions with military members.","abstract_has_math":false,"creators":["Clary, Kelly Lynn"],"institution":"University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign","degree_name":"Ph.D.","degree_level":"Dissertation","degree_discipline":"Social Work","degree_department":null,"school":null,"contributors":["Smith, Douglas C","Ostler, Teresa A","Carter-Black, Janet D","Chiu, Chung-Yi"],"advisors":[],"committee_chairs":[],"committee_members":[],"year":2020,"date_issued":"2020-08-26T23:51:26Z","date_published":"2020-08-26T23:51:26Z","updated_at":"2026-07-22T22:24:47Z","subjects":["Emerging Adults, Military, Veterans, Substance Use, Theory Building, Multi-Method"],"languages":["en"],"rights":["Copyright 2020 Kelly Lynn Clary"],"rights_urls":[],"identifier_entries":[]},"links":{"outbound_url":"http://hdl.handle.net/2142/108099","outbound_label":"Handle","outbound_source":"dc:identifier"},"metadata_groups":[{"id":"people","label":"People","entries":[{"key":"dc:contributor","label":"Contributor","values":["Smith, Douglas C","Ostler, Teresa A","Carter-Black, Janet D","Chiu, Chung-Yi"]},{"key":"dc:creator","label":"Author","values":["Clary, Kelly Lynn"]}]},{"id":"academic_context","label":"Academic Context","entries":[{"key":"dc:date","label":"Dc Date","values":["2020-08-26T23:51:26Z","2022-08-26T23:58:55Z","2020-03-27","2020-05"]},{"key":"dc:type","label":"Dc Type","values":["text","Thesis"]},{"key":"thesis:degree_discipline","label":"Discipline","values":["Social Work"]},{"key":"thesis:degree_level","label":"Degree Level","values":["Dissertation"]},{"key":"thesis:degree_name","label":"Degree Name","values":["Ph.D."]},{"key":"thesis:institution_name","label":"Thesis Institution Name","values":["University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign"]}]},{"id":"subjects_keywords","label":"Subjects and Keywords","entries":[{"key":"dc:subject","label":"Dc Subject","values":["Emerging Adults, Military, Veterans, Substance Use, Theory Building, Multi-Method"]}]},{"id":"language_rights","label":"Language and Rights","entries":[{"key":"dc:language","label":"Dc Language","values":["en"]},{"key":"dc:rights","label":"Dc Rights","values":["Copyright 2020 Kelly Lynn Clary"]}]},{"id":"identifiers","label":"Identifiers","entries":[{"key":"dc:identifier","label":"Identifier","values":["http://hdl.handle.net/2142/108099"]}]},{"id":"additional","label":"Additional Metadata","entries":[{"key":"dc:description","label":"Description","values":["Background: Emerging adults (18-29 year olds) have the highest rates of substance use across the lifespan and many military members often have even higher rates of substance use and related consequences. Unfortunately, those most in need of mental health treatment perceive greater stigma and are less likely to pursue treatment for their past trauma or current mental health or substance use needs. Moreover, few treatments address the unique military culture or one’s developmental status when intervening. This study explored the utility of the five Emerging Adulthood Theory dimensions, a human developmental lens, to military members. It sought to understand developmental factors related to high rates of substance use among military populations, while also providing culturally responsive implications for social workers assisting this vulnerable population. In addition, it evaluated if one interview had a positive impact on substance use frequency, general help seeking behaviors, and stigma on help seeking behaviors. Methods: To answer these research questions, I completed in-depth qualitative interviews utilizing motivational interviewing spirit with 26 emerging adult military members who have high risk substance use behaviors. I asked about their experiences developing into an adult, substance use behaviors, barriers to receiving mental health treatment, and ways to reduce mental health stigma. Most interviews were conducted via Zoom (n=22) with some in-person (n=4). I collected pre-test and post-test data on substance use frequency, self-stigma, and help-seeking behaviors, with a 100% follow-up rate. Qualitative interviews were analyzed following reflexive-thematic driven analysis and were coded using Nvivo. Rigorous coding procedures integrated inter-rater and intra-rater reliability procedures. Quantitative data were cleaned and analyzed in both Excel and SPSS using dependent samples t-tests. Results: We found that this sample related to the five Emerging Adulthood Theory dimensions, but in different ways than is proposed by the theory. We believe these various themes could be attributed to their immersion in military culture. Moreover, data shows that a one-time interview has positive effects on substance use behaviors, help-seeking and stigma about mental health treatment. Follow-up data shows that the research study was well received by participants as they could share their stories, think critically about military culture, and have a genuine conversation with a social worker regarding their military experiences. Implications: Findings provide the framework to effectively support emerging adult military members with high risk substance behaviors. Future research should integrate these findings to produce culturally adaptive interventions to reduce substance use behaviors and stigma around mental health treatment while also encouraging help seeking behaviors. This study fills the literature gap of more thoroughly understanding the utility of the theory among military members. Further, these data shed light on the acceptability and feasibility of brief interventions with military members.","Submission published under a 24 month embargo labeled 'U of I Access', the embargo will last until 2022-05-01","The student, Kelly Clary, accepted the attached license on 2020-03-26 at 08:05.","The student, Kelly Clary, submitted this Dissertation for approval on 2020-03-26 at 08:32.","This Dissertation was approved for publication on 2020-03-27 at 16:04.","DSpace SAF Submission Ingestion Package generated from Vireo submission #14919 on 2020-08-25 at 17:27:12","Made available in DSpace on 2020-08-26T23:51:26Z (GMT). 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Unfortunately, those most in need of mental health treatment perceive greater stigma and are less likely to pursue treatment for their past trauma or current mental health or substance use needs. Moreover, few treatments address the unique military culture or one’s developmental status when intervening. This study explored the utility of the five Emerging Adulthood Theory dimensions, a human developmental lens, to military members. It sought to understand developmental factors related to high rates of substance use among military populations, while also providing culturally responsive implications for social workers assisting this vulnerable population. In addition, it evaluated if one interview had a positive impact on substance use frequency, general help seeking behaviors, and stigma on help seeking behaviors. Methods: To answer these research questions, I completed in-depth qualitative interviews utilizing motivational interviewing spirit with 26 emerging adult military members who have high risk substance use behaviors. I asked about their experiences developing into an adult, substance use behaviors, barriers to receiving mental health treatment, and ways to reduce mental health stigma. Most interviews were conducted via Zoom (n=22) with some in-person (n=4). I collected pre-test and post-test data on substance use frequency, self-stigma, and help-seeking behaviors, with a 100% follow-up rate. Qualitative interviews were analyzed following reflexive-thematic driven analysis and were coded using Nvivo. Rigorous coding procedures integrated inter-rater and intra-rater reliability procedures. Quantitative data were cleaned and analyzed in both Excel and SPSS using dependent samples t-tests. Results: We found that this sample related to the five Emerging Adulthood Theory dimensions, but in different ways than is proposed by the theory. We believe these various themes could be attributed to their immersion in military culture. Moreover, data shows that a one-time interview has positive effects on substance use behaviors, help-seeking and stigma about mental health treatment. Follow-up data shows that the research study was well received by participants as they could share their stories, think critically about military culture, and have a genuine conversation with a social worker regarding their military experiences. Implications: Findings provide the framework to effectively support emerging adult military members with high risk substance behaviors. Future research should integrate these findings to produce culturally adaptive interventions to reduce substance use behaviors and stigma around mental health treatment while also encouraging help seeking behaviors. This study fills the literature gap of more thoroughly understanding the utility of the theory among military members. Further, these data shed light on the acceptability and feasibility of brief interventions with military members.","Submission published under a 24 month embargo labeled 'U of I Access', the embargo will last until 2022-05-01","The student, Kelly Clary, accepted the attached license on 2020-03-26 at 08:05.","The student, Kelly Clary, submitted this Dissertation for approval on 2020-03-26 at 08:32.","This Dissertation was approved for publication on 2020-03-27 at 16:04.","DSpace SAF Submission Ingestion Package generated from Vireo submission #14919 on 2020-08-25 at 17:27:12","Made available in DSpace on 2020-08-26T23:51:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 3 CLARY-DISSERTATION-2020.pdf: 2994912 bytes, checksum: 9afbc25ed1f7575a8aed45de04557672 (MD5) KellyClary_DissertationDefense.docx: 2573089 bytes, checksum: 50ffd655e1e8b092b73b5871d462798c (MD5) LICENSE.txt: 4208 bytes, checksum: 31bffcf71a7a01ede6355cc5e62fb038 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2020-03-27","Embargo set by: Seth Robbins for item 115708 Lift date: 2022-08-26T23:51:32Z Reason: Author requested U of Illinois access only (OA after 2yrs) in Vireo ETD system","Embargo set by: Seth Robbins for item 115708 Lift date: 2022-08-26T23:54:40Z Reason: Author requested U of Illinois access only (OA after 2yrs) in Vireo ETD system","Embargo set by: Seth Robbins for item 115708 Lift date: 2022-08-26T23:55:59Z Reason: Author requested U of Illinois access only (OA after 2yrs) in Vireo ETD system","Embargo set by: Seth Robbins for item 115708 Lift date: 2022-08-26T23:57:28Z Reason: Author requested U of Illinois access only (OA after 2yrs) in Vireo ETD system","Embargo set by: Seth Robbins for item 115708 Lift date: 2022-08-26T23:58:55Z Reason: Author requested U of Illinois access only (OA after 2yrs) in Vireo ETD system","Author requested U of Illinois access only (OA after 2yrs) in Vireo ETD system","U of I Only"],"dc:format":["application/pdf"],"dc:identifier":["http://hdl.handle.net/2142/108099"],"dc:language":["en"],"dc:rights":["Copyright 2020 Kelly Lynn Clary"],"dc:subject":["Emerging Adults, Military, Veterans, Substance Use, Theory Building, Multi-Method"],"dc:title":["Substance use, self-stigma, and help seeking among military members: Exploring the utility of the emerging adulthood theory"],"dc:type":["text","Thesis"],"thesis:degree_discipline":["Social Work"],"thesis:degree_level":["Dissertation"],"thesis:degree_name":["Ph.D."],"thesis:institution_name":["University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign"]},"updated_at":"2026-07-22T22:24:47Z"}