Introduction
It has been well established that sexual trauma, particularly in the military, is a serious issue that contributes to poor mental health outcomes, particularly the emergence of PTSD. A study by Kintzle et al. (2015) aims to look into the prevalence of sexual assault among female veterans, how it relates to PTSD, and how often these women use mental health services. The research investigates the variations in sexual assault experiences throughout several eras of military service by contrasting pre- and post-9/11 veterans.
Methods
The study used several methods of gathering information from participants. The researchers used an online survey to gather information concerning the frequency of sexual assault, PTSD symptoms, and the use of mental health services (Kintzle et al., 2015). Other methods included postal forms, activities at community centers, and service agencies. This method’s strength is its availability to all participants, but this technique lacks control during the gathering process. Therefore, the analysis should be approached carefully in later stages.
Results and Discussion
The results show that a substantial number of participants experienced sexual assault. This statistic includes about 40% of female veterans who responded to the survey (Kintzle et al., 2015). A significant association was found between a history of military sexual trauma and symptoms of PTSD (Kintzle et al., 2015). The female participants met the criteria for PTSD if they survived a sexual assault (Kintzle et al., 2015). Most of the victims received mental health help within the last year, even if the response to the incident was not immediate.
As the results show, the study by Kintzle et al. (2015) highlights the importance of enhanced prevention programs within the military to address sexual trauma and its consequences. It also emphasizes the benefits of accessible care for victims of military sexual assault. Efforts should be made to reduce barriers to care and provide gender-sensitive treatment options for female veterans. Therefore, this field of study and this particular work are crucial for evaluating the experience of female veterans during and after their service.
Conclusion
This cross-sectional study advances knowledge of PTSD and sexual assault rates in both military and civilian populations. The results underline how crucial it is to treat sexual trauma in the military and how crucial it is to give victims the right care. The well-being of those who have experienced military sexual trauma can be better supported by strengthening preventative measures and increasing mental health care services.
Reference
Kintzle, S., Schuyler, A. C., Ray-Letourneau, D., Ozuna, S. M., Munch, C., Xintarianos, E., Hasson, A. M., & Castro, C. A. (2015). Sexual trauma in the military: Exploring PTSD and mental health care utilization in female veterans. Psychological Services, 12(4), 394–401. Web.