15 1 GENERAL INTRODUCTION perceived behavioral control (67). The theory has been used before to examine MHI treatment-seeking (68), also in a military setting (67, 69, 70). The current thesis aims to gain insight into the decision to seek treatment, and the different factors that are of influence on this decision, such as (but not limited to) attitudes, subjective norms, and behavioral control. The aim is not to test the theory of planned behavior. Figure 3. Theory of planned behavior (65). Although there is international literature on barriers and facilitators for treatmentseeking for MHI in the military, research on this topic was completely lacking within the Dutch military. To implement effective interventions to promote treatment-seeking, and subsequently sustainable employment and well-being at work, it was important to first examine the decision to seek treatment for MHI within the Dutch military context. The decision to disclose mental health issues and illnesses to a supervisor The decision to disclose MHI to a supervisor or not can potentially impact sustainable employment and well-being at work (9, 14, 43, 44). Previous research has shown that disclosure to a supervisor can lead to work accommodations and supervisor support, which can prevent worsened symptoms and sick leave, and non-disclosure can lead to missed opportunities for this support (43, 44, 71). However, disclosure can also lead to being stigmatized and discriminated against, which can negatively affect sustainable employment and well-being at work (72, 73). Additionally, disclosure can decrease the chances of getting promoted in the future (28, 74, 75). This makes the decision to disclose MHI to a supervisor or not, a true dilemma. Compared to the literature on treatment-seeking in the military, the literature on disclosure to a supervisor in the military is extremely scarce. There has been some work
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