Sexual coercion is a major issue faced by many people, including soldiers who are often away from home for extended periods of time. It has been found to have significant impacts on various aspects of life, particularly self-esteem, emotional regulation, and relational trust. This paper will explore how experiences of sexual coercion can lead to long-term effects that affect these factors.
Self-esteem refers to one's sense of self-worth and value. In general, individuals who experience sexual coercion may feel lower levels of self-esteem due to feelings of shame, guilt, and embarrassment. This can lead to a decrease in confidence, negative self-talk, and a lack of belief in their abilities.
They may feel like they are less deserving of respect, love, and care from others. The trauma associated with sexual coercion can also lead to an overall distrust of oneself and others, which further contributes to low self-esteem.
Emotional regulation involves managing one's emotions and responding appropriately to situations. Individuals who have experienced sexual coercion may find it difficult to manage their emotions, as they may feel a range of intense emotions such as anger, fear, sadness, or anxiety. They may also become hypervigilant or avoidant, leading to difficulties in interpersonal relationships. This can make it challenging to form and maintain healthy relationships, further contributing to a decline in emotional regulation.
Relational trust is the belief in another person's honesty, reliability, and loyalty. Experiences of sexual coercion can significantly impact this factor, particularly if the individual feels betrayed by someone they were close to. It may be difficult for them to trust anyone again, especially those involved in the situation. This can result in isolation and loneliness, making it harder to build new relationships that are based on mutual trust and support.
Experiences of sexual coercion can have lasting effects on various aspects of life, including self-esteem, emotional regulation, and relational trust. These factors are important for overall well-being and can contribute to long-term mental health issues. Therefore, it is crucial to provide support to individuals who have been through such experiences and help them work through any lingering trauma.
How do experiences of sexual coercion affect long-term self-esteem, emotional regulation, and relational trust among soldiers?
Sexual coercion is defined as any unwanted sexual activity where one party uses power or force to obtain consent from another. This can include rape, nonconsensual touching, and coercive acts such as threats of violence or blackmail.