Veterans, Military Sexual Trauma and PTSD: Rehabilitation Planning Implications

2011 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 33-40
Author(s):  
Janet K. Cater ◽  
Jerry Leach
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Coercion ◽  
Sexual Trauma ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Fiscal Year ◽  
Military Sexual Trauma ◽  
Sexual Assaults ◽  
Male Veterans ◽  
Gang Rape ◽  
The Military

Military sexual trauma (MST) can cause mental and physical illness in both men and women. It can also influence behavior and the ability to work with others. MST encompasses a range of unwanted sexual attentions ranging from gender harassment to sexual coercion and gang rape. Sexual assaults in the military continue to rise with an 11% increase reported for fiscal year 2009, including a 16% rise in the Afghanistan and Iraq war zones. This paper includes (a) a brief overview of MST; (b) how MST affects female veterans; (c) how MST affects male veterans; (d) the interrelationship of MST, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health problems; (e) MST and its effect on quality of life; (j) current effective MST therapeutic treatments; and (g) rehabilitation considerations.

The Prevalence of Military Sexual Trauma: A Meta-Analysis

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 584-597 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura C. Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Medical Records ◽  
Sexual Trauma ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Military Sexual Trauma ◽  
Prevalence Rates ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Women In The Military ◽  
The Military ◽  
Report Measure

Due to methodological heterogeneity, the exact prevalence of military sexual trauma (MST) is unknown. To elucidate our understanding of the pervasiveness of this important social issue, a meta-analysis was conducted. A computerized database search in PsycINFO, PubMed, and PILOTS revealed 584 unique citations for review. Of these identified studies, 69 met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. The results revealed that 15.7% of military personnel and veterans report MST (3.9% of men, 38.4% of women) when the measure includes both harassment and assault. Additionally, 13.9% report MST (1.9% of men, 23.6% of women) when the measure assesses only assault and 31.2% report MST (8.9% of men, 52.5% of women) when the measure assesses only harassment. Regardless of the type of victimization incident (i.e., harassment or assault), women evidenced significantly larger prevalence rates compared to men. Self-report measure and interviews were associated with higher prevalence rates than the review of veterans affair (VA) medical records when measuring both harassment and assault and only harassment. No significant differences were observed among prevalence rates based on VA, non-VA, or both VA and non-VA recruitment. Ultimately, the findings suggest that MST is a pervasive problem, among both men and women in the military, highlighting the importance of this line of research.

scholarly journals The phenomenology of military sexual trauma among male veterans.

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 115-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsey L. Monteith ◽  
Holly R. Gerber ◽  
Lisa M. Brownstone ◽  
Kelly A. Soberay ◽  
Nazanin H. Bahraini
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Trauma ◽  
Military Sexual Trauma ◽  
Male Veterans

The influence of military sexual trauma on returning OEF/OIF male veterans.

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 402-411 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sasha A. Mondragon ◽  
David Wang ◽  
Lonique Pritchett ◽  
David P. Graham ◽  
M. Leili Plasencia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Trauma ◽  
Military Sexual Trauma ◽  
Male Veterans

The Phenomenology of Military Sexual Trauma Among Women Veterans

2018 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 399-413 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa M. Brownstone ◽  
Brooke Dorsey Holliman ◽  
Holly R. Gerber ◽  
Lindsey L. Monteith
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Trauma ◽  
Women Veterans ◽  
Phenomenological Approach ◽  
Relational Trust ◽  
Trauma Survivors ◽  
Military Sexual Trauma ◽  
Perceived Effects ◽  
Qualitative Phenomenological ◽  
The Military ◽  
Cultural Shifts

Although researchers have examined health outcomes among survivors of military sexual trauma, knowledge regarding the phenomenology of military sexual trauma among women veterans remains limited. We used a qualitative, phenomenological approach to describe the experience, context, and perceived effects of military sexual trauma among women veterans. Thirty-two cisgender female military sexual trauma survivors participated in interviews, which we analyzed through thematic analysis. The following themes emerged: (1) sexual harassment: “expected,” “constant,” and “normal”; (2) silencing and disempowerment: “If you want a career, then shut up”; (3) changed attitudes toward the military: “I lost faith”; (4) loss of relational trust: “I can protect me if I’m not involved with someone”; (5) survivor internalization of messages conveyed by military sexual trauma: “If I looked different, none of this would have happened”; (6) coping by escape and avoidance: “I put my head in the sand and hoped it would go away”; and (7) a path to healing through validation and justice: “You’ll get through it.” Results suggest the importance of increasing stakeholders’ knowledge regarding military sexual trauma complexities and contexts. Military sexual trauma survivors should be heard, believed, and supported in pursuing justice. We also suggest cultural shifts and continued efforts to prevent military sexual trauma. Online slides for instructors who want to use this article for teaching are available on PWQ's website at http://journals.sagepub.com/page/pwq/suppl/index

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