The physical effects of sexual trauma can be devastating for soldiers who experience it while serving in the military.
There is little research examining how sexual assault affects their psychological development, specifically their moral reasoning and relational functioning. This article explores these long-term consequences of sexual violence on the lives of soldiers after they leave service.
Moral reasoning refers to one's ability to make decisions based on ethics and values. Soldiers who have experienced sexual violence may struggle with this aspect of their decision-making process due to feelings of guilt, shame, and self-blame. They may question their own morality and wonder if they deserve to live an honorable life. The sense of betrayal that comes from being violated can cause them to doubt themselves and others, leading to difficulties in forming trusting relationships. This can lead to isolation, depression, and other mental health issues.
Relational functioning refers to a person's ability to maintain positive relationships with others. Sexual trauma can disrupt this by causing anxiety, fear, and avoidance when interacting with others. Survivors may feel uncomfortable with intimacy and struggle to communicate effectively in relationships. This can lead to difficulties in finding support networks and establishing close connections with family members or friends.
Survivors may withdraw socially and become isolated, further exacerbating their mental health problems.
Post-service adaptation involves adjustment to civilian life after leaving the military. Sexual trauma can impact this process by causing emotional turmoil and difficulty transitioning back into society. Veterans may have difficulty reintegrating into their communities and facing challenges such as employment, education, and housing. They may also experience flashbacks, nightmares, and other symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can interfere with daily activities. These difficulties can create a cycle of distress that makes it harder for veterans to cope with civilian life.
Sexual trauma has far-reaching consequences for soldiers beyond just its physical effects. It can alter their moral reasoning, relational functioning, and post-service adaptation in significant ways. Understanding these long-term implications is essential for providing appropriate support and care to those who have experienced this type of violence.
What are the long-term consequences of sexual trauma on soldiers' moral reasoning, relational functioning, and post-service adaptation?
Sexual trauma is not an uncommon phenomenon among military personnel. It can have significant long-term effects on their moral reasoning, interpersonal relationships, and post-service adjustment. According to a study by Brown et al. (2019), 78% of female veterans reported experiencing some form of sexual assault during their service, which was more than double the rate found in civilian women.