Citation

Andresen FJ, Monteith LL, Kugler J, Cruz RA, Blais RK. J. Clin. Psychol. (Hoboken) 2019; 75(7): 1305-1319.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/jclp.22773

PMID

30947374

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Preliminary research suggests that perceptions of institutional betrayal are associated with more severe symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, as well as suicide attempts in military sexual trauma (MST) survivors. However, results have not been replicated. Additionally, associations of institutional betrayal with specific PTSD symptom clusters or sexual function are understudied.
METHOD: Female service members/veterans who reported experiencing MST (N = 679) completed self-report measures of PTSD and depression symptom severity, suicidal ideation, and sexual function. Institutional betrayal was assessed from free-text descriptions of self-reported index traumas.
RESULTS: Institutional betrayal was significantly associated with more severe depression and PTSD symptoms, including avoidance, negative alterations in cognitions and mood, re-experiencing, and dysphoric arousal.
CONCLUSIONS: Targeting specific PTSD and depressive symptoms through evidence-based treatment may be important for managing institutional betrayal sequelae. Future research should identify specific strategies to help support survivors in their recovery following institutional betrayal.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; United States; Adult; Aged; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Adolescent; trauma; Young Adult; Self Report; depression; Survivors; Veterans; posttraumatic stress disorder; Military Personnel; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Sex Offenses; Depressive Disorder, Major; sexual assault; Ethics, Institutional; Organizational Culture; military psychology