Impact of Psychology Research on Female Military Service Member Retention

Abstract

This research aims to understand better psychology’s role in shaping female decisions to leave U.S. military service. The study problem driving this research is to determine whether psychological factors are an underlying cause of attrition and the challenges that females in the military face with female retention. Specifically, this study seeks to understand how psychology has been used to understand our subject of interest. We compiled academic articles and other relevant material through searches of Web of Science, EBSCO, JSTOR, CRS, and GAO databases. Our period of interest covered 1978–2022. The search parameter of 1978 coincides with Public Law 95-485, that established female integration into regular service in the U.S. military. Our keywords in our searches were: female, military, retention, and psychology or analogous related words to our four keywords. We found recurring words or themes in psychology that corresponded to a military culture centered on masculinity. The identified military type of masculinity known as “hegemonic” masculinity serves to maintain male privilege, resulting in female exclusivity in the military. According to our findings, the military culture impacts their overall physical and mental health, well-being, and safety, contributing to female servicemember attrition. Future research is needed to understand this culture and to implement policy changes that will ensure equality and the safety of female service members.