Faculty Mentor
Rebecca K. Blais
Abstract
- 25% of women Veterans report military sexual trauma (MST)
- MST includes contact (e.g., rape) and non-contact (e.g., harassment) assault
- MST is highly correlated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- PTSD symptoms include nightmares, family problems, insomnia, irritability, depression, and hypervigilence
- MST is more likely to cause PTSD than deadly combat experiences
- PTSD severity is negatively associated with relationship quality
- Problematic as relationship quality is a protective factor against PTSD-related dysfunction
- Physical touch and intimacy are integral in romantic relationships
- However, touch apprehension following sexual trauma has not been studied in those with MST
- To promote well-being and buffer against distress, we need to understand how touch apprehension and MST relate to relationship quality in partnered women Veterans
Goal:
- Determine if relationship quality differs based on contact or non-contact MST assault
- Examine the association of MST and touch apprehension with relationship quality above other distress risk factors
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Research On Capitol Hill 2016
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
1-26-2016
Recommended Citation
Christensen, Danielle, "Impact of Military Sexual Trauma on PTSD and Relationship Quality" (2016). Research on Capitol Hill. Paper 51.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/roch/51