Sexual assault is a major public health problem that affects many people worldwide. It has been linked to increased risk for mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Sexual trauma can result from various forms of violence, including rape, molestation, stalking, incest, and domestic abuse. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common psychological response to traumatic events and can occur after sexual assault. Symptoms of PTSD include re-experiencing the event through intrusive thoughts, nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance behaviors, negative changes in mood and cognition, hyperarousal, and feelings of detachment or estrangement. Coping strategies vary among individuals but may include self-blame, isolation, substance abuse, and denial.
To understand how sexual trauma affects soldiers' post-traumatic stress and coping mechanisms, researchers need to examine their psychological mechanisms. Psychological mechanisms are the processes by which our minds respond to external stimuli.
When we see something scary, our brains release adrenaline to prepare us for action; this is an automatic reaction called a "fight-or-flight" response. Research suggests that sexual trauma activates similar mechanisms, leading to fear and aggression responses. This fear response can be both physical and emotional. Physically, it may manifest as increased heart rate and blood pressure. Emotionally, it may cause feelings of guilt, shame, fear, helplessness, anger, sadness, anxiety, and depression. These reactions are often accompanied by distorted thinking patterns such as blaming oneself, minimizing the situation, or denying its significance.
One psychological mechanism mediating the effects of sexual trauma on PTSD is dissociation. Dissociation involves feeling disconnected from one's body or environment. It can occur during the traumatic event itself or later in response to reminders of the event. Symptoms of dissociation include feeling numb, out-of-body experiences, derealization (feeling like things aren't real), depersonalization (feeling detached from oneself), and amnesia (forgetting parts of the experience). People with severe dissociative symptoms may feel alienated from others and have difficulty forming relationships. They may also engage in self-harming behaviors or substance abuse to cope. Dissociation has been linked to high levels of PTSD symptom severity among soldiers who experienced sexual assault.
Another psychological mechanism mediating the effects of sexual trauma on PTSD is hyperarousal. Hyperarousal refers to being overly alert or responsive to external stimuli. Soldiers experiencing hyperarousal may feel jittery, irritable, restless, easily startled, and sleep poorly. They may be more likely to use drugs or alcohol to calm themselves down. High levels of hyperarousal are associated with higher PTSD symptom severity.
Research suggests that negative coping strategies, such as avoidance or isolation, may worsen post-traumatic stress symptoms. Avoidant coping involves trying to distance oneself from reminders of the trauma by changing locations, routines, or people. Isolating oneself from social support can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression, which can increase PTSD symptoms. On the other hand, positive coping strategies such as seeking help, staying engaged in social activities, and practicing relaxation techniques may reduce PTSD symptoms. Research shows that soldiers who seek professional counseling after sexual assault report lower PTSD symptoms than those who do not.
What psychological mechanisms mediate the effects of sexual trauma on post-traumatic stress and coping in soldiers?
Sexual trauma can have lasting effects on an individual's psychological well-being and coping strategies. Research has shown that individuals who experience sexual assault may develop symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) such as anxiety, depression, hypervigilance, flashbacks, avoidance behaviors, and impaired cognition.