Military Sexual Trauma Research: A Proposed Agenda

Abstract

Military sexual trauma (MST) is a widespread problem associated with negative psychological and physical health problems. This article presents the current state of MST research and highlights specific areas in need of more focused study. Areas that have produced the greatest body of knowledge include MST prevalence and psychological and physical health correlates. We propose a research agenda based on gaps noted in our research review and empirical and theoretical evidence of issues relevant to but not studied directly in MST populations. We present evidence that MST is qualitatively distinct from other forms of sexual maltreatment in terms of its relational and vocational context as well as the severity of associated psychological distress, examine underexplored gender and sexual issues in MST, and discuss the lack of treatment and prevention studies specific to MST. Specific recommendations are made throughout in an attempt to guide and advance the field.

The association of military and premilitary sexual trauma with risk for suicide ideation, plans, and attempts

“…The observed rates of military sexual trauma in the current sample (39.1% for females and 5.8% for males) were consistent with previously published estimates (Goldzweig et al, 2006;Zinzow et al, 2007;Suris and Lind, 2008;Allard et al, 2011). Observed rates of sexual assault were also consistent with the estimated prevalence of individuals who have experienced sexual assault in the general U.S. population (i.e., 20% of women and 3% of men; Centers for Disease Control, 2012), as well as among college students (19-28% of undergraduate women and 3-4% of undergraduate men; Douglas et al, 1997;Krebs et al, 2007Krebs et al, , 2009Tjaden and Thoennes, 1998).…”

“…Multiple reviews have estimated the prevalence of military sexual trauma to range from 22% to 45% (Goldzweig et al, 2006;Zinzow et al, 2007;Suris and Lind, 2008;Allard et al, 2011). More recently, the Department of Veterans Affairs found that 23.0% of female and 1.2% of males positively screened for military sexual trauma during 2011 (Military Sexual Trauma Support Team, 2012), and a 2006 review found even higher rates of sexual harassment among female Veterans and active duty personnel, with rates ranging from 55% to 79% (Goldzweig et al, 2006).…”

Military-related sexual assault in Canada: a cross-sectional survey

“…However, the odds were higher among women with military-related sexual assault, which is in line with previous findings that military-related sexual assault may be more psychologically harmful than non-military-related sexual assault. 2,4,7,8 Limitations Some limitations of our study must be considered. The data were self-reported and were collected in face-to-face interviews, which is associated with variability in reporting of assault.…”

Implementing Cognitive Processing Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder With Active Duty U.S. Military Personnel: Special Considerations and Case Examples

“…Additionally, military sexual trauma (actual or threatened sexual assault or harassment occurring while serving on active duty) has been reported in rates ranging from 22 to 25% (Allard, Nunnink, Gregory, Klest, & Platt, 2011).…”