Sexual Coercion refers to unwanted sexual behavior that occurs without explicit consent and is accompanied by physical force, threats, blackmailing, manipulation, and/or abuse of power. It has been estimated that up to 25% of female veterans experienced some form of sexual assault during their service in the armed forces. In addition to the immediate mental health impacts, such as anxiety and depression, long-term psychosocial adaptations can also be affected. This article will explore how experiences of sexual coercion influence long-term psychosocial adaptation and resilience across military career.
Sexual coercion negatively affects veterans' sense of self-worth and self-esteem, resulting in an increase in guilt, shame, low self-efficacy, and reduced feelings of control over one's life. Veterans who experience sexual coercion may feel ashamed of what happened or believe they are "damaged goods." They may struggle to trust others or engage in intimate relationships due to fear of rejection or judgment. These negative emotions can lead to isolation, which further exacerbates mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
Experiencing sexual coercion can result in a lack of confidence and self-sufficiency, leading to difficulty adjusting to civilian life. Veterans may find it challenging to establish new social networks outside of the military culture and face additional challenges when attempting to find employment or seek higher education opportunities.
They may have difficulties navigating interpersonal dynamics with family members and peers, especially if those individuals do not fully understand their experiences.
Sexual coercion can impede the development of personal identity. Veterans who have been sexually assaulted may struggle to find meaning in their lives outside of the military, making it difficult to identify themselves as more than just soldiers. This disconnect from their former roles can cause confusion, disorientation, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms that last long after service has ended. It is crucial for veterans to develop a strong sense of self-identity based on their unique skills, interests, passions, and values rather than solely through military affiliations.
Fourth, experiences of sexual coercion affect veteran's ability to form healthy romantic and/or sexual relationships. Many veterans experience intimacy difficulties following their trauma, which can impact partner selection and relationship satisfaction. They may also struggle with trust issues or feel uncomfortable communicating their needs and desires, resulting in a greater likelihood of divorce or breakup. These challenges extend beyond partnerships into friendships and other social contexts, where veterans may fear rejection due to perceived "damaged goods" status.
Experiencing sexual coercion may lead to a lack of resilience in coping with future life events. Veterans who have experienced this type of trauma often become hypervigilant regarding safety concerns, which can lead to excessive worrying about potential threats or danger. They may also avoid situations that remind them of the trauma, leading to further isolation and withdrawal.
These factors increase the risk of developing mental illness such as PTSD, depression, or anxiety disorders later in life.
Experiencing sexual coercion during military service has significant psychosocial implications that persist throughout one's career and beyond. The negative effects of sexual coercion must be acknowledged by both military leaders and civilian communities alike to provide adequate support for veterans' recovery. By understanding how sexual coercion influences long-term adaptation and resilience across a military career, we can better support those affected and help them heal from this traumatic experience.
How do experiences of sexual coercion influence long-term psychosocial adaptation and resilience across a military career?
Sexual coercion is a complex phenomenon that can have lasting impacts on individuals throughout their lives, especially during their time serving in the military. Research suggests that such experiences may lead to increased risk for mental health issues like posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety as well as physical health problems like sexual dysfunction and substance abuse.