Veteran's Theory of Mental Illness and System Justification Rates of mental illness are increasing among veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. This social problem has had significant consequences, such as spikes in homelessness, unemployment, and suicide among this population. Many argue that there are too many barriers to mental health treatment in a society that stigmatizes mental illness and undervalues ​​mental health. Research supports this assertion, particularly within the veteran population (Greene-Shortridge, Britt, & Castro, 2007). System justification theory offers an explanation for why society stigmatizes mental illness despite the devastating consequences of underutilization of treatment. As noted previously, system justification theory suggests that individuals possess a motive to justify and rationalize the status quo. According to the theory, stereotypes are often used to reinforce the status quo because they easily explain differences between groups and therefore justify inequalities. The most widespread stereotypes about mental illness in Western society are that those who suffer from it are dangerous, incompetent and personally responsible for their illness (Dickstein, Vogt, Handa & Litz, 2010). It's no surprise that stereotypes like these have led to the persistent stigma around mental illness that exists today. Corrigan, Watson, and Ottati (2003) argue that this strong stigma has legitimized a historically unjust treatment system for people with mental illnesses. Already in the Middle Ages, mentally ill people were sent to prison because they were perceived as dangerous. Starting in the 19th century, they were transferred to asylums and hospitals due to the widespread belief that not only were they dangerous, but also i...... middle of paper ......king_of_an_american_soldier%3AMurali, V. & Oyebode , F. (2004). Poverty, social inequality and mental health. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 10, 216-224. Rovner, J., & Cornish, A. (2013, November 8). White House releases long-awaited mental health rules. NPR. Retrieved April 27, 2014, from Tanielian, T., & Jaycox, L. (eds.). (2008). Invisible war wounds: psychological and cognitive injuries, their consequences and services to aid recovery. Retrieved April 27, 2014, from Today, M. (2008, August 15). Multiple deployments increase mental health risks. ABC News. Retrieved April 27, 2014, from http://abcnews.go.com/Health/MindMoodNews/story?id=5589589 Tyson, A. S. (2005, November 4). Young people in rural areas of the United States are attracted to the military. Washington Post. Retrieved April 26, 2014, from http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/article/2005/11/03/AR2005110302528.html