Military Psychology - Area of Study

Area of Study

The goals and missions of current military psychologists have been retained over the years, varying with the focus and strength of intensity of research put forth into each sector. The need for mental health care is now an expected part of high-stress military environments. The importance and severity of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has finally gained more credibility than those suffering from it received in the past, and is being highlighted in treatment programs. More extensive post-deployment screenings take place now to home in on problematic recoveries that used to be passed unnoticed and untreated.

Women in military roles is an area of study of study receiving an increasing amount of attention. Currently women make up 10%-15% of the armed forces. As women tended to move to away from nursing and helping roles, increasing attention is given to how the brutal realities of combat would affect the women psychologically. Interesting research shows that, when affected, women tend to ask for help, more so than men, thus avoiding many of the long term mental suffering that male soldiers face after their deployment has ended.

Terrorism/Psychological warfare is another branch of military psychology. To begin this subject, the commonly referenced stereotype that terrorists are mentally cases and perfect candidates for eager psychiatrists needs to be throw out. The actual root purpose and methods of terrorism is what make it fall under the purview of psychology. The goal of a terrorist is to use an event to mentally mess with their enemy and cause behavior change. This basic behaviorism approach mimics and elevates the classic rat and mice training studies to a whole new degree. Psychologists examines the types of rewards and punishments that the terrorists employes to fit their agenda and shape the public's thoughts and actions.