Mechanisms of the association between PTSD and sexual arousal and lubrication functioning among trauma-exposed female service members/veterans

Blais, Rebecca K.; Bird, Elizabeth R.; Sartin-Tarm, Anneliis; Campbell, Sarah B.; Lorenz, Tierney K.

doi:10.1016/j.jad.2021.12.106

Cited by 1 publication

(2 citation statements)

References 55 publications

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“…Prior studies on MSA have either been restricted to women samples (e.g., Blais, 2020; Blais et al, 2020, 2022; Creech & Orchowski, 2016) or had a small sample of men with MSA (e.g., Tannahill et al, 2021). By having a larger sample of men with a history of MSA, the current study was able to test whether the relationships between revictimization experiences, PTC, and PTSS varied by gender.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most prevalent mental health disorders among Veterans Affairs (VA)-enrolled veterans (Veterans Health Administration, 2013) and active duty service members (Meadows et al, 2018), accounting for over 55% of those with a probable mental health diagnosis (VA, 2017). PTSD and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) are associated with lower quality of life (Vogt et al, 2017), sexual dysfunction (Blais et al, 2022), poorer interpersonal functioning (Blais, 2020, 2022; Blais & Zalta, 2023), substance misuse (Schumm & Chard, 2012), and suicidal ideation and attempts (Wisco et al, 2014), highlighting the importance of continuing to study risk factors of PTSS to fine-tune assessments and treatments. Traumas that involve sexual violation are associated with the highest risk for PTSS (Blais et al, 2020; Wisco et al, 2014), with repeated exposure conferring even greater risk (see review, Classen et al, 2005; Tirone, Bagley et al, 2020a).…”

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confidence: 99%

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Posttraumatic Cognitions Differ Between Men and Women after Military Sexual Assault Revictimization in Their Contribution to PTSD Symptoms

Tannahill

Barrett

Zalta

et al. 2022

J Interpers Violence

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Sexual revictimization is heightened among military service members and veterans and is associated with greater posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and severity. The heightened distress following revictimization may be due to posttraumatic cognitions (PTC), which include negative beliefs about the self and world, and self-blame. Moreover, it is unclear whether men and women experience different levels of PTC. The current study tested PTC (overall and subdomains) as a possible mediator between sexual revictimization and PTSS severity, and gender as a possible moderator of these associations. Revictimization was defined across time periods (military sexual assault [MSA] only vs. premilitary sexual trauma + MSA) and in military rape frequency (0, 1, 2+). Participants were 400 ( n = 200 [50%] male) service members/veterans with a history of MSA and completed online, anonymous, self-report questionnaires. PTC mediated the association between revictimization and PTSS severity. A significant interaction of gender suggested that men reported high overall PTC and PTC about the self regardless of revictimization; by contrast, overall PTC and PTC about the self were lower for women in response to MSA only and increased with revictimization. Results also showed men were more sensitive to PTC about self-blame as it pertains to more severe PTSS compared to women. There were no unique gender interactions when assessing revictimization by rape frequency, although PTC (overall, all subdomains) significantly mediated the association between rape frequency and PTSS severity. PTC may be a beneficial target when treating PTSS in men, and may be especially heightened in women who have experienced revictimization.

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