The experience of sexual trauma can have significant impacts on an individual's ability to empathize with others, cooperate with their team, and reason morally. In a military unit, these effects may be even more profound due to the high stakes and high stress environment. This paper will explore how experiences of sexual trauma can affect individuals and units in this context, using research from psychology and social science to support its claims.
Let's consider empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It involves recognizing their emotions, imagining what they are going through, and responding appropriately. Sexual trauma can make it difficult for individuals to empathize because it often causes them to feel shame, guilt, and self-blame. They may also develop avoidance behaviors that prevent them from connecting with others.
If someone has been sexually assaulted, they might avoid discussing their feelings or sharing personal details about themselves out of fear of judgment or rejection. This can lead to isolation and decreased trust within the unit.
In terms of cooperation, sexual trauma can create barriers between individuals and teams. Victims may struggle to trust other members of their unit, leading to hesitancy when working together and reduced willingness to share information or resources. This can lead to decreased effectiveness and even put the entire mission at risk.
Victims may feel like they cannot rely on others for support, which can further decrease their sense of belonging and commitment to the unit.
Moral reasoning is impacted by sexual trauma as well. Moral reasoning refers to an individual's ability to evaluate right versus wrong and act accordingly. When someone experiences sexual trauma, they may question their own morality and ethics. They may wonder why they were targeted and whether they did something to deserve it. This can lead to confusion and difficulty making decisions based on moral principles.
They may be more likely to engage in risky behavior or take shortcuts due to a desire for validation or revenge.
These effects can have serious consequences for military units. Individuals who are unable to empathize with one another may struggle to work together effectively. Units that lack cohesion and trust may not perform well under pressure. And individuals who make poor moral decisions could endanger missions and put teammates in danger. Therefore, understanding how sexual trauma affects individuals and units is essential for maintaining high performance and achieving success.
How do experiences of sexual trauma influence empathy, cooperation, and moral reasoning within military units?
A research study conducted by Sage Publications found that experiences of sexual assault and harassment in military environments are linked with negative effects on individuals' abilities to engage in empathetic behaviors towards others. The study surveyed 265 active duty male and female service members from all branches of the U. S. military who had experienced any form of unwanted sexual contact during their careers (such as touching, groping, or rape).