Sexual coercion is a serious issue that affects both men and women who have served in military deployments. This form of assault has been linked to various mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, sleep disorders, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts. It can also lead to feelings of shame, guilt, low self-esteem, fear, anger, and isolation. Sexual coercion involves using threats, force, or manipulation to make someone engage in sexual activity against their will. Those who experience this type of trauma may find it difficult to trust others and establish meaningful relationships. They might also avoid certain situations or people because they fear being re-victimized.
Some individuals may engage in risky behaviors like drug use or dangerous activities to cope with their pain. Understanding how sexual coercion impacts post-deployment adaptation, psychological resilience, and social functioning is critical for providing effective support services to those affected. The following paragraph explains these three areas in more detail.
Post-Deployment Adaptation: Many veterans struggle with adjusting to civilian life after deployment due to factors such as culture shock, financial stressors, employment difficulties, social isolation, and family conflicts. These challenges are exacerbated by the negative effects of sexual coercion, which can cause intense emotional distress and interfere with the process of healing. Victims often feel ashamed, guilty, and overwhelmed by the memory of what happened to them. As a result, they may withdraw from loved ones or have difficulty expressing themselves emotionally. This can strain relationships and create tension within families. Moreover, survivors may feel unworthy or damaged, leading to further difficulties in connecting with others.
Sexual coercion can delay or impede post-deployment adaptation efforts and contribute to long-term psychological distress.
Psychological Resilience: Sexual coercion has been associated with reduced psychological resilience, defined as the ability to manage adversity without compromising one's well-being. Those who experience this type of trauma are at risk for developing symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. They may also struggle with sleep disorders, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, and self-harm behaviors. The impact on psychological resilience is significant because it affects overall functioning and quality of life. Survivors might find it difficult to perform daily tasks or maintain personal hygiene, contributing to feelings of shame and low self-esteem. It can be challenging for friends and family members to support individuals experiencing these difficulties, especially if they do not understand the full extent of the harm caused by sexual coercion. Therefore, educating communities about its effects is essential for promoting psychological resilience.
Social Functioning: Sexual coercion can interfere with social functioning through changes in behavior, attitudes, and beliefs. Victims may avoid certain situations or people out of fear of being re-victimized. This isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness, hopelessness, and desperation. Moreover, survivors might develop negative views of themselves and others, leading to further social withdrawal. In addition, those affected by sexual coercion may have difficulty trusting others due to betrayal and mistrust. These emotions can strain relationships and make it harder to form new connections.
Sexual coercion has a profound effect on social functioning that extends beyond the initial event itself.
With proper support services and treatment, victims can learn to overcome their trauma and establish meaningful relationships with others.
In what ways does sexual coercion impact post-deployment adaptation, psychological resilience, and social functioning?
Sexual coercion can have significant negative impacts on veterans' post-deployment adaptation, psychological resilience, and social functioning. A study found that sexual coercion was associated with greater PTSD symptoms, depression, anxiety, and alcohol abuse among female military personnel (Kilpatrick et al. , 2014).