The Phenomenology of Military Sexual Trauma Among Women Veterans

Although researchers have examined health outcomes among survivors of military sexual trauma, knowledge regarding the phenomenology of military sexual trauma among women veterans remains limited. We used a qualitative, phenomenological approach to describe the experience, context, and perceived effe...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Psychology of women quarterly 2018-12, Vol.42 (4), p.399-413
Main Authors: Brownstone, Lisa M., Holliman, Brooke Dorsey, Gerber, Holly R., Monteith, Lindsey L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Avoidance behavior
Cisgender
Coping
Empowerment
Escape
Feminism
Feminist psychology
Healing
Health status
Internalization
Phenomenology
Psychology
Sexual harassment
Survivor
Teaching
Validity
Veterans
Women
Womens studies
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Summary:Although researchers have examined health outcomes among survivors of military sexual trauma, knowledge regarding the phenomenology of military sexual trauma among women veterans remains limited. We used a qualitative, phenomenological approach to describe the experience, context, and perceived effects of military sexual trauma among women veterans. Thirty-two cisgender female military sexual trauma survivors participated in interviews, which we analyzed through thematic analysis. The following themes emerged: (1) sexual harassment: “expected,” “constant,” and “normal”; (2) silencing and disempowerment: “If you want a career, then shut up”; (3) changed attitudes toward the military: “I lost faith”; (4) loss of relational trust: “I can protect me if I’m not involved with someone”; (5) survivor internalization of messages conveyed by military sexual trauma: “If I looked different, none of this would have happened”; (6) coping by escape and avoidance: “I put my head in the sand and hoped it would go away”; and (7) a path to healing through validation and justice: “You’ll get through it.” Results suggest the importance of increasing stakeholders’ knowledge regarding military sexual trauma complexities and contexts. Military sexual trauma survivors should be heard, believed, and supported in pursuing justice. We also suggest cultural shifts and continued efforts to prevent military sexual trauma. Online slides for instructors who want to use this article for teaching are available on PWQ's website at http://journals.sagepub.com/page/pwq/suppl/index
ISSN:0361-6843
1471-6402
DOI:10.1177/0361684318791154