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Article
Military sexual trauma among women Veterans: The buffering effect of coworker support
Military Psychology
  • Nicholas A. Smith, Oregon Health & Science University
  • Jacquelyn M. Brady, Oregon Health & Science University
  • Leslie B. Hammer, Oregon Health & Science University
  • Kathleen F. Carlson, OHSU-PSU School of Public Health
  • Cynthia D. Mohr, Portland State University
Publication Date
12-14-2020
Document Type
Article
DOI
10.1080/08995605.2020.1806635
Abstract

Prior research has demonstrated the impact of military sexual trauma (MST) on health and well-being. However, little empirical work has been published identifying protective factors for women who have experienced MST. We examined the impact of two different forms of MST, harassment-only and assault MST, on PTSD symptoms and social functional impairment in a sample of women Veterans employed in the civilian workforce. The effects of MST were examined at three different times over a period of 9 months. We found that MST that included both harassment and assault was associated with significantly higher levels of PTSD symptoms and social functional impairment across three different time points among women Veterans employed in civilian jobs. Further, the pattern of results suggested that coworker support can buffer against these negative outcomes experienced by women who reported assault MST. Overall, findings suggest that coworker support is one critical resource for women Veterans who experienced assault MST.

Funding Number
W81XWH-13-2-0020
Funding Sponsor
U.S. Department of Defense
Keywords
  • coworker support,
  • Military sexual trauma,
  • PTSD,
  • sexual assault,
  • women Veterans
Citation Information
Nicholas A. Smith, Jacquelyn M. Brady, Leslie B. Hammer, Kathleen F. Carlson, et al.. "Military sexual trauma among women Veterans: The buffering effect of coworker support" Military Psychology Vol. 32 Iss. 6 (2020) p. 441 - 449
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/jacquelyn-brady/8/