Sexual coercion is a serious issue that has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. It occurs when someone forces another person to have sexual contact without their consent through verbal threats, physical force, alcohol or drug abuse, manipulation, or even explicit promises. Service members are particularly vulnerable to this type of assault because they may be isolated from family and friends while serving abroad. Studies show that up to one third of military personnel experience some form of sexual coercion during their service. This can lead to negative emotional consequences such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal ideation.
Research suggests that resilience - the ability to adapt and thrive despite adversity - may play an important role in mitigating these effects.
Factors influencing long-term emotional resilience after sexual coercion
Researchers have identified several factors that contribute to the development of resilience following sexual coercion. One factor is social support. People who receive support from loved ones, friends, colleagues, or professional counselors tend to recover more quickly than those who do not. Another factor is self-efficacy - the belief in one's own ability to overcome challenges. Those with high self-efficacy are better able to bounce back emotionally from trauma.
Spirituality has been shown to enhance resilience by providing a sense of purpose and meaning beyond the present moment. These three factors interact with each other to influence how individuals respond to trauma and build emotional strength over time.
The impact of military culture on resilience
The military culture also plays a key role in shaping emotional resilience. Service members often receive extensive training in physical toughness, discipline, and perseverance which can help them develop mental strength.
Many military personnel feel a strong sense of loyalty to their unit and country, which motivates them to push through difficult experiences. This "can-do" attitude can be an asset in helping service members cope with the aftermath of sexual assault.
It can also create barriers to seeking help because some service members may feel ashamed or embarrassed about what happened to them. Military culture may also reinforce traditional gender roles that can make women and LGBTQ+ individuals more vulnerable to sexual coercion. Therefore, efforts must be made to address these cultural issues as part of any effort to promote resilience among service members.
How do experiences of sexual coercion shape long-term emotional resilience among service members?
Experiences of sexual coercion can have a significant impact on the long-term emotional resilience of service members, affecting their ability to cope with stressors and trauma. According to research, these experiences often lead to feelings of shame, guilt, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).