Gender Differences in the Socioecological Contexts of Veterans Seeking Mental Health Services Following Military Sexual Trauma.

Abstract

Military sexual trauma (MST) refers to sexual assault or harassment experienced during military service. Given the high prevalence of MST and negative mental and physical health outcomes that result from MST, Veterans Health Administration has identified a national priority for screening and treatment. An understanding of socioecological contexts of Veterans who seek mental health treatment to address difficulties following MST will support a holistic approach to care. Accordingly, this study contrasted socioecological contexts of Veteran men and women (n = 579) seeking mental health treatment related to MST exposure. Veteran men and women were compared in acknowledgment of systemic gender differences in access to resources. Results revealed Veteran women more frequently endorsed sufficient financial resources, presence of support systems, and desire for additional peer relationships compared with Veteran men. Greater clarity about socioecological contexts of Veterans increases clinicians' abilities to problem-solve for barriers to treatment and reduces gender-related disparities in our understanding of Veterans' needs following MST.