Headspace

A social science look at the military

by George R. Mastroianni, Ph.D.

Are the Ethical Lapses of Military Leaders Really Our Fault?

When military members are praised, the exceptional virtues of military culture are often adduced as playing a role in their conduct. But when military members misbehave, civilian culture, morally suspect in the eyes of many in the military, is sometimes blamed as the source of the rot. Where should we be looking for answers to the problem of military misconduct? Read More

The All-Volunteer Force: Some Unintended Consequences?

Civilian attitudes toward the military were very unfavorable at the end of the Vietnam War. In 1973, we transitioned to an all-volunteer force. Today, American approval of the military has never been higher. Perhaps the shift in attitudes toward the military can be explained by well-understood psychological processes based on our desire to avoid a return to the draft. Read More

Joe is Not His Amygdala

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and traumatic brain injury are consequences of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan with which many veterans live. Stigmatization of mental disorders has led some to consider biologizing the disorder—defining it as an injury. Is this a good idea? Read More

Military Suicide: More Than a Military Issue?

The recent rise in military suicides cannot be explained by combat stress alone - many military members who commit suicide have never been deployed. Perhaps fighting two long and intense wars with a volunteer force has had individual, institutional, and societal effects that can at least partially explain this increase. Read More