Citation

Bennett DC, Thomas EJ, Porter KE, Broman RB, Rauch SAM, Sexton MB. Violence Vict. 2019; 34(1): 69-84.

Affiliation

VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Springer Publishing)

DOI

10.1891/0886-6708.34.1.69

PMID

30808794

Abstract

Despite the high rates of military sexual trauma (MST) experienced by service members and veterans, little is known about how contextual features of the MST event or concurrent histories of other interpersonal traumas are associated with diverse clinical presentations. This study examined contextual factors of MST events (number of perpetrators, location of MST, relationship to perpetrator, location of MST) and dual history of interpersonal traumas (including sexual abuse or assault throughout the lifespan, repeated MST, and intimate partner violence) in relation to total symptoms and symptom clusters of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). MST involving multiple perpetrators was related to higher avoidance and hyperarousal. MST while combat-deployed was associated with higher hyperarousal. Veterans endorsing a history of partner violence presented with higher reexperiencing and avoidance. Recognition of phenotypic differences may assist providers in treatment planning and optimizing outcomes.

© Copyright 2019 Springer Publishing Company, LLC.

Language: en

Keywords

PTSD symptoms; military sexual trauma; sexual trauma; veterans