Factors Associated with Sexual Satisfaction among Veterans Who Have Experienced Military Sexual Trauma

Abstract

Veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST) report lower sexual satisfaction than veterans without a history of MST. The current study examined the relationship between demographic, physical health, mental health, and trauma variables and sexual satisfaction among a national sample of U.S. veterans who endorsed MST. Results demonstrated that lower sexual satisfaction was associated with uncoupled relationship status, poor physical health, and symptoms of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and sexual dysfunction among male and female veterans. Several additional factors were related to lower sexual satisfaction among female veterans. Findings highlight the importance of gender-targeted assessment, prevention, and treatment of sexual satisfaction problems.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to sincerely thank the following individuals for their assistance in collecting data and running the project: Tammy Torres, M.S., Sharfun Ghaus, M.B.B.S., Laura Detweiler, M.A., and Russell DuBois, M.A. The authors would also like to acknowledge Rachel Kimerling, Ph.D. and the other members of Dr. Turchik’s mentorship team for their input on the larger research project, as well as members of Dr. Garneau-Fournier’s dissertation committee members, Dr. Janice Habarth, Dr. Matthew Cordova, and Dr. Josef I. Ruzek, for their feedback on an earlier version of the current manuscript. Dr. McBain's contribution to manuscript preparation was supported by the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Academic Affiliations Advanced Fellowship Program in Mental Illness Research and Treatment; the Medical Research Service of the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System; the Department of Veterans Affairs South Central Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC).

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by the VA Health Services Research & Development, Career Development Award (CDA 12-273) awarded to Jessica A. Turchik, Ph.D. as well as by resources provided thorough the National Center of PTSD and the Center for Innovation to Implementation at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System. The views and opinions of the authors expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the Veterans Affairs or the U.S. Government.