Citation

Holland KJ, Rabelo VC, Cortina LM. Psychol. Violence 2016; 6(2): 253-261.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, American Psychological Association)

DOI

10.1037/a0039467

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Military Sexual Trauma (MST) can be a harmful aspect of military life. Despite the availability of resources, Service members may encounter barriers that impede help-seeking for sexual assault (i.e., encountering logistical constraints, anticipating stigma). We examined how such barriers undermine wellbeing (i.e., exacerbate symptoms of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD]) among MST survivors, both women and men. Additionally, we investigated how these barriers aggravate depression among Service members who feel unsafe from sexual assault.

METHOD: The current study was a secondary analysis of the 2010 Workplace and Gender Relations Survey of Active Duty Members (WGRA; N = 26,505). Personnel who had experienced MST (n = 542) and those who felt unsafe from sexual assault (n = 1,016) were included in the analyses.

RESULTS: The most commonly endorsed barriers were fears that they would be seen as weak, their leaders may treat them differently, and their coworkers might have less confidence in them. As expected, both MST survivors and those feeling unsafe reported more negative psychological symptoms as a function of help-seeking barriers.

CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that removal of these barriers may be helpful for the protection of mental health--among assault victims and nonvictims alike. For instance, efforts could be taken to reduce logistical barriers (e.g., allowing time for health care visits) and stigma (e.g., enhancing training for all personnel who work with MST survivors).

©2016 American Psychological Association

Language: en