Sexual coercion is an important issue that affects people's lives everywhere. It involves unwanted sexual acts such as touching, kissing, or intercourse against one's will. In recent years, there has been growing concern about how it impacts individuals' ability to adapt to military life. Researchers have identified several ways in which this can occur. This article explores some of these mechanisms in depth.
One mechanism through which sexual coercion affects adaptation is cognitive distress. People who experience it may become preoccupied with thoughts about the incident, including feelings of guilt, shame, anger, confusion, anxiety, fear, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They may replay the events in their mind repeatedly and feel powerless to prevent them from happening again. These negative emotions can take up mental space, making it difficult for them to focus on other tasks. As a result, they may struggle to perform well in training exercises or miss deadlines.
This could lead to lower performance ratings, demotions, or even career changes.
Another mechanism is social isolation. Victims may avoid contact with others out of embarrassment or fear of being blamed or shamed. This can limit opportunities for professional networking and mentorship, which are critical for success in the military. It also makes it harder to find support and community within the unit, leading to loneliness and lack of connection. Moreover, some victims may view themselves as damaged goods and distance themselves from potential partners, further impairing their ability to form relationships.
Physical health effects are another way that sexual coercion can impact adaptation. Chronic stress hormones released during trauma cause physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive problems, fatigue, muscle tension, insomnia, and weakened immunity. These can make it challenging to meet fitness standards or complete physical activities required by the job. In severe cases, they may interfere with combat readiness or even cause injuries.
Interpersonal relationships are also affected by sexual coercion. Victims may become distrustful of others, especially those who look similar to their abuser(s). They may doubt the intentions of colleagues or superiors, potentially creating conflict at work. Family life can be disrupted if spouses do not understand the situation or if children witness the behavior. This can create tension and strain on an already stressful environment.
Sexual coercion can affect identity formation. Many people join the military to prove themselves and gain a sense of purpose. When this is threatened by traumatic events, they may lose confidence in their capabilities and question their place in society. This can undermine motivation and drive, making them less likely to reach goals or progress upward through ranks.
Sexual coercion can lead to changes in belief systems.
Survivors may start doubting traditional gender roles, hierarchies, and power dynamics. They may wonder why no one stopped the incident or why perpetrators were able to get away with it for so long. They may feel betrayed by institutions that claim to protect them but instead facilitate abuse. All these factors can contribute to an erosion of trust, loyalty, and faith in authority figures.
Sexual coercion impacts adaptation to military life in multiple ways. It causes cognitive distress, social isolation, physical health effects, interpersonal relationship problems, identity issues, and changes in belief systems. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for providing effective support services and developing policies to prevent future incidents.
What are the psychological mechanisms through which sexual coercion impacts adaptation to military life?
The psychological mechanisms that may be affected by sexual coercion in military settings include but are not limited to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety, depression, and intimate partner violence. Sexual coercion can have a negative impact on an individual's sense of self-worth, personal identity, confidence, and trust towards others, resulting in a decrease in their ability to adapt to military life.