How does combat exposure influence sexual risk perception and behavior?
Combat is an extreme situation that can lead to negative consequences for both physical and mental health. One potential consequence is changes in sexual risk perception and behavior. Sexual behavior involves different forms of interaction such as intercourse, touching, kissing, masturbation, etc., which may involve emotional attachment, pleasure, pain, fear, love, lust, trust, control, dominance, power, and more. These feelings are influenced by individual factors like age, gender identity, culture, upbringing, education, and life experience, as well as situational factors like stress, peer pressure, social norms, and environmental context. Combat has been found to affect sexual behavior through several mechanisms including trauma, PTSD symptoms, aggression, substance abuse, social isolation, and depression.
Traumatic events have been associated with higher levels of sexual risk taking, increased frequency of casual sex, and greater likelihood of unprotected sex among military personnel.
One study showed that soldiers who experienced combat were more likely than those without combat experience to engage in risky behaviors like drinking heavily before or during sex, using drugs during sex, having multiple partners, and ignoring condom use guidelines. Another study revealed that combat veterans had higher rates of alcohol consumption and marijuana use compared to civilians, increasing the odds of unsafe sex.
Research suggests that men exposed to combat may be less likely to wear condoms due to reduced sensitivity and satisfaction.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition characterized by intrusive memories, avoidance of reminders, negative changes in cognition and mood, and hyperarousal reactions. Soldiers with PTSD may perceive sexual situations as threatening and exhibit fear responses such as freezing or running away, leading them to avoid romantic relationships and intimacy. They may also feel distrustful or suspicious towards their partner, causing interpersonal conflicts and relationship breakdown. PTSD symptoms can make it difficult for people to enjoy sex, leading to decreased arousal, pleasure, and orgasm. This has implications for contraceptive use because some individuals may not want or even feel able to protect themselves from pregnancy or STIs.
Aggression is another consequence of combat exposure that can affect sexual behavior. Aggressive traits are associated with increased risk taking, promiscuity, dominance, power, and control. A recent study found that soldiers who had experienced combat were more likely than those without combat experience to engage in verbal aggression before sex, initiate casual sex, and use force during sex. These behaviors may increase the likelihood of unwanted pregnancies, STI transmission, and sexual assault. Substance abuse can further exacerbate these risks, especially among men who have been drinking alcohol or using drugs prior to sex.
Social isolation can occur when individuals become detached from family, friends, and social support systems due to deployment, which may lead to a decrease in sexual activity and satisfaction. Depression is also common after combat and can cause changes in libido, desire, and arousal, as well as affect perceptions of self-worth, body image, and desirability. In one study, depressed veterans reported lower sexual functioning and less interest in sex than non-depressed veterans. All these factors can contribute to higher rates of unprotected sex, which increases the risk of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C, gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, syphilis, and other STIs.
Combat exposure has been linked to changes in sexual risk perception and behavior through various mechanisms including trauma, PTSD symptoms, aggression, substance abuse, and social isolation. This can lead to increased rates of unsafe sex, unplanned pregnancy, and STI transmission, underscoring the importance of addressing sexual health needs among military personnel and providing comprehensive support services for those affected by combat.
How does combat exposure influence sexual risk perception and behavior?
The research literature suggests that combat exposure can significantly impact an individual's sexual risk perception and behavior (Kivlighan et al. , 2019). Specifically, individuals with combat experience often report changes in their sexual attitudes and desires, which may lead them to engage in risky sexual behaviors such as unprotected intercourse, multiple partners, and casual sex (Bachmann & Ebert, 2017).