MST as an Experience and not a Diagnosis. The presence of sexual violence within the United States Armed Forces is a pervasive issue that remains at the highlight of conversation amongst military officials, policymakers, health care professionals, and the media (Kimerling et al., 2007). According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (2015), there is no diagnosis for MST and reaction to the experience varies from person to person. Factors such as prior history of trauma, responses from others during the MST, and the duration of the traumatic experience are critical in determining the difficulties that the veteran will face. Other variables such as race/ethnicity, religion, and sexual orientation are important in understanding
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Despite policies within the military such as Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, sexual orientation, whether perceived or discussed, has a direct correlation to sexual trauma within the military as if placing an undue target on the individual (Mattocks et al., 2012). While experiencing trauma can be life-altering, many helping professionals believe that trauma survivors tend to be innately resilient. For women, however, due to the heightened sensitivity relative to returning to civilian duties to include motherhood and various other social role expectations, women experience heightened emotional irregularities (Katz et al., 2007). Research suggests a positive correlation between PTSD as a result of MST; however, other mental health concerns such as substance use, mood disorders, and depression may be linked to those experiencing MST (Rowe et al., 2009).
Cognitive Processing Therapy versus Pro-Longed Exposure Therapy. Because of the direct correlation to PTSD, the two most common therapeutic responses to MST include cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and prolonged exposure therapy (PE). CPT is a very common type of …show more content…
Because incidents of aggression historically have been underreported, this provides an identifiable barrier to accessing and providing services. Social workers have ground to cover in closing the gaps with this population. While psychotherapy as a direct practice approach is necessary, collaboration with policy and law makers is equally important. As researchers continue to identify key elements prohibiting veterans from accessing the well-established programs, this yields important information for persons of power to bridge the gap. Despite the notion of fear in highlighting negative issues within the military, the only way to address the issue is for all stakeholders to admit that one currently
Despite policies within the military such as Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, sexual orientation, whether perceived or discussed, has a direct correlation to sexual trauma within the military as if placing an undue target on the individual (Mattocks et al., 2012). While experiencing trauma can be life-altering, many helping professionals believe that trauma survivors tend to be innately resilient. For women, however, due to the heightened sensitivity relative to returning to civilian duties to include motherhood and various other social role expectations, women experience heightened emotional irregularities (Katz et al., 2007). Research suggests a positive correlation between PTSD as a result of MST; however, other mental health concerns such as substance use, mood disorders, and depression may be linked to those experiencing MST (Rowe et al., 2009).
Cognitive Processing Therapy versus Pro-Longed Exposure Therapy. Because of the direct correlation to PTSD, the two most common therapeutic responses to MST include cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and prolonged exposure therapy (PE). CPT is a very common type of …show more content…
Because incidents of aggression historically have been underreported, this provides an identifiable barrier to accessing and providing services. Social workers have ground to cover in closing the gaps with this population. While psychotherapy as a direct practice approach is necessary, collaboration with policy and law makers is equally important. As researchers continue to identify key elements prohibiting veterans from accessing the well-established programs, this yields important information for persons of power to bridge the gap. Despite the notion of fear in highlighting negative issues within the military, the only way to address the issue is for all stakeholders to admit that one currently