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Rønning L, Shor R, Anyan F, Hjemdal O, Jakob Bøe H, Dempsey CL, Espetvedt Nordstrand A. The Prevalence of Sexual Harassment and Bullying Among Norwegian Afghanistan Veterans: Does Workplace Harassment Disproportionately Impact the Mental Health and Life Satisfaction of Female Soldiers? JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2024:8862605241248432. [PMID: 38686604 DOI: 10.1177/08862605241248432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Experiencing sexual harassment and bullying during military service can lead to negative consequences for a soldier's mental health and life satisfaction, including increased risk of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress. No studies have to date investigated the prevalence and correlates of sexual harassment and bullying among Norwegian Afghanistan veterans, despite the increased global focus on these topics. In 2020, 6,205 Norwegian Afghanistan veterans (8.3% women) completed an online post-deployment survey, including questions about experiences of sexual harassment, bullying, mental health, and life satisfaction. Compared to their male counterparts, female veterans experienced significantly more sexual harassment and bullying during Afghanistan deployment (3.2% vs. 0.04% for experiencing sexual harassment, and 4.0% vs. 1.0% for bullying) and during other military services (14.3% vs. 0.4% for sexual harassment, and 15.9% vs. 3.7% for bullying). Sexual harassment was associated with younger age and experiencing childhood sexual harassment for both women and men, with men also having longer deployments. Bullying was associated with longer deployments and childhood sexual harassment for women, while men who reported bullying more often had longer deployments, held an officer rank, were less inclined to have a spouse/intimate partner, and reported childhood sexual harassment and bullying. Both sexual harassment and bullying were associated with increased risk of mental health problems and reduced life satisfaction for women, but this was only true for bullying among men. Despite lower reported rates of workplace harassment compared to studies from other cultures, this study demonstrates that sexual harassment and bullying in the military can negatively impact soldiers' mental health and life satisfaction. Notably, female veterans' mental health and life satisfaction appear to be particularly affected by sexual harassment during military service, an association not seen in males. This underscores the need for gender-specific, cultural, and context-sensitive prevention and support for workplace harassment experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Line Rønning
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Rachel Shor
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Frederick Anyan
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Odin Hjemdal
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Hans Jakob Bøe
- Institute of Military Psychiatry, Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Medical Services, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Catherine L Dempsey
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Andreas Espetvedt Nordstrand
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Institute of Military Psychiatry, Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Medical Services, Oslo, Norway
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Scoglio AAJ, Lincoln A, Kraus SW, Molnar BE. Chipped or Whole? Listening to Survivors' Experiences With Disclosure Following Sexual Violence. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP6903-NP6928. [PMID: 33092441 DOI: 10.1177/0886260520967745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Sexual violence is a prevalent crime but vastly underreported and with serious long-term health consequences for survivors. Disclosure of sexual violence represents a social experience that may offer support towards healing or further traumatization depending on the response received. Although current research suggests that process of disclosure itself is important, as are social responses, there is a dearth of research examining the perceived impact of initial responses to disclosure on healing and relationships, particularly over time. The current study used data from nine focus groups with 45 survivors to explore the impact of initial disclosure reactions on recovery, from the survivors' perspectives. Constant comparative analysis identified several themes, including subtypes of positive and negative responses to disclosure and long-term impacts on healing and relationships. Survivors disclosed to informal and formal support persons and although many identified responses as positive or negative, some also experienced mixed responses. Survivors identified perceived long-term impacts on healing, interpersonal relationships, and social justice. Our findings suggest disclosures are a critical point for potential intervention after sexual violence. It is through the disclosure process that survivors can be supported and empowered to connect with others and move further along in their journey towards healing and recovery. Public awareness and promotion of positive responses could be designed to reach children and youth, so that the next generation is equipped with the tools to support each other in difficult times, particularly in the aftermath of sexual violence.
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Amsalem D, Lopez-Yianilos A, Lowell A, Pickover AM, Arnon S, Zhu X, Suarez-Jimenez B, Ryba M, Bergman M, Such S, Zalman H, Sanchez-Lacay A, Lazarov A, Markowitz JC, Neria Y. Treatment dropout among veterans and their families: Quantitative and qualitative findings. PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA : THEORY, RESEARCH, PRACTICE AND POLICY 2022; 14:578-586. [PMID: 34582228 PMCID: PMC8924016 DOI: 10.1037/tra0001109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychotherapy noncompletion rates for veterans and their families are high. This study sought to (a) measure noncompletion rates of such patients at a university-based treatment center, (b) compare veteran and family member attrition rates, (c) identify dropout predictors, and (d) explore clinicians' perspectives on treatment noncompletion. METHOD Using quantitative and qualitative approaches, we analyzed demographic and clinical characteristics of 141 patients (90 military veterans; 51 family members) in a university treatment center. We defined dropout as not completing the time-limited therapy contract. Reviewing semistructured interview data assessing clinicians' perspectives on their patients' dropout, three independent raters agreed on key themes, with interrater coefficient kappa range .74 to 1. RESULTS Patient attrition was 24%, not differing significantly between veterans and family members. Diagnosis of major depression (MDD) and exposure-based therapies predicted noncompletion, as did higher baseline Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) total scores, severe depression (HDRS > 20), lack of Beck Depression Inventory weekly improvement, and history of military sexual trauma. Clinicians mostly attributed noncompletion to patient difficulties coping with intense emotions, especially in exposure-based therapies. CONCLUSION Noncompletion rate at this study appeared relatively low compared to other veteran-based treatment centers, if still unfortunately substantial. Patients with comorbid MDD/PTSD and exposure-based therapies carried greater noncompletion risk due to the MDD component, and this should be considered in treatment planning. Ongoing discussion of dissatisfaction and patient discontinuation, in the context of a strong therapeutic alliance, might reduce noncompletion in this at-risk population. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Doron Amsalem
- New York State Psychiatric Institute
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
| | | | - Ari Lowell
- New York State Psychiatric Institute
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
| | - Alison M. Pickover
- New York State Psychiatric Institute
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
| | - Shay Arnon
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
| | - Xi Zhu
- New York State Psychiatric Institute
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
| | - Benjamin Suarez-Jimenez
- New York State Psychiatric Institute
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
| | - Matt Ryba
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
| | - Maja Bergman
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
| | - Sara Such
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
| | - Hemrie Zalman
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
| | - Arturo Sanchez-Lacay
- New York State Psychiatric Institute
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
| | - Amit Lazarov
- New York State Psychiatric Institute
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
- School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University
| | - John C. Markowitz
- New York State Psychiatric Institute
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
| | - Yuval Neria
- New York State Psychiatric Institute
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
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Scoglio AAJ, Kraus SW, Saczynski J, Jooma S, Molnar BE. Systematic Review of Risk and Protective Factors for Revictimization After Child Sexual Abuse. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2021; 22:41-53. [PMID: 30669947 DOI: 10.1177/1524838018823274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a widespread public health problem in the United States. It has been associated with multiple long-term deleterious outcomes including revictimization in adulthood. This systematic review of 25 studies synthesizes research examining possible risk and protective factors that might explain the established link between CSA and future victimizations. Specific risk factors identified included co-occurring maltreatment in the home, risky sexual behavior (particularly in adolescence), post-traumatic stress disorder, emotion dysregulation, and other maladaptive coping strategies. Only one protective factor was identified: perceived parental care. The review also revealed considerable variability in definitions and measurement of both CSA and adult victimization, particularly in terms of how researchers conceptualized age. Many of the studies were limited in generalizability by including only college-age women. These findings have clinical and research implications. Public health interventions working to prevent revictimization among CSA survivors can utilize these findings when designing programs. For researchers, the results highlight the need for standardized definitions of both CSA and revictimization, for well-validated and consistent measurement, and for inclusion of additional population groups in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arielle A J Scoglio
- Institute of Health Equity & Social Justice Research, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
- Social & Community Reintegration Research Program, ENRM VA, Bedford, MA, USA
| | - Shane W Kraus
- VISN 1 New England MIRECC, ENRM VA, Bedford, MA, USA
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jane Saczynski
- Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shehzad Jooma
- Mental Health Service Line, ENRM VA, Bedford, MA, USA
| | - Beth E Molnar
- Institute of Health Equity & Social Justice Research, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
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Meyer EC, Kotte A, Kimbrel NA, DeBeer BB, Elliott TR, Gulliver SB, Morissette SB. Predictors of lower-than-expected posttraumatic symptom severity in war veterans: The influence of personality, self-reported trait resilience, and psychological flexibility. Behav Res Ther 2019; 113:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2018.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Tracy M, Salo M, Appleton AA. The mitigating effects of maternal social support and paternal involvement on the intergenerational transmission of violence. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2018; 78:46-59. [PMID: 28974320 PMCID: PMC5857207 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2017.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Childhood maltreatment is a strong risk factor for subsequent violence, including violent behaviors in young adulthood and offspring maltreatment after becoming a parent. Little is known about the specific circumstances under which supportive relationships may help disrupt this cycle of violence throughout the life course. We conducted two complementary analyses to assess whether maternal social support in early childhood, and also paternal involvement in middle childhood, could prevent the intergenerational transmission of violence, using data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (n=11,384). We found that higher levels of maternal social support in the postpartum period reduced the odds of offspring maltreatment at ages 0-8 years (OR=0.95, 95% CI 0.93-0.96). When classifying mothers according to their abuse history, this protective association of social support was observed among mothers with no history of childhood maltreatment and among those with only childhood maltreatment (and not postpartum intimate partner violence [IPV]), but not among mothers who reported IPV since the child's birth. We then extended our analysis of these offspring forward in time and found that paternal involvement at ages 9-10 years was associated with a reduced risk of offspring self-reported violent perpetration at ages 18-20 years (OR=0.85, 95% CI=0.77-0.94). This protective association was generally apparent among all subgroups of children, including those with a history of childhood maltreatment. Together these results highlight the protective influence of supportive relationships against the intergenerational transmission of violence, depending on abuse history, context, and timing, with important implications for the prevention of childhood maltreatment and mitigation of its negative effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Tracy
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany School of Public Health, State University of New York, 1 University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States.
| | - Madeleine Salo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany School of Public Health, State University of New York, 1 University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
| | - Allison A Appleton
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany School of Public Health, State University of New York, 1 University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
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Wilson LC, Simmons BL, Leheney EK, Ballman AD, Meyer EC, DeBeer BB, Morissette SB, Kimbrel NA. Does military sexual trauma moderate the impact of critical warzone experiences? Psychiatry Res 2015. [PMID: 26210649 PMCID: PMC4697762 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2015.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The present research sought to replicate the finding that military sexual trauma (MST) moderates the effect of critical warzone experiences on mental health outcomes in a sample of male veterans. One-hundred eighty-one male veterans completed measures of MST, critical warzone experiences, and mental health symptoms. The hypothesized interaction was not significant, nor was a significant main effect observed for MST. In contrast, both critical warzone experiences and childhood maltreatment had significant main effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C Wilson
- University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Emma K Leheney
- University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Eric C Meyer
- VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, Waco, TX, USA; Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, USA; Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Bryann B DeBeer
- VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, Waco, TX, USA; Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, USA; Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Sandra B Morissette
- VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, Waco, TX, USA; Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, USA; Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Nathan A Kimbrel
- Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham, NC, USA; Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
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