Document Type
Master's Thesis
Graduation Year
2025
Degree
Master of Science
Program
Counseling Psychology
Program Director
Carlos Molina, EdD, LMFT
First Reader
Carlos Molina, EdD, LMFT
Second Reader
Skye Ashley
Abstract
This thesis project attempts to explore the relationship between male sexual trauma in the military and how these adverse experiences can impact an individual. The discussion of masculinity, shame, guilt, statistics regarding the prevalence of sexual assault in the military, reporting, as well as some of the barriers that some men may face having experienced sexual assault in the military will be addressed with the aid of the literature review. From there the psychotherapeutic treatment and modalities will be addressed to determine which works best for this specific population. Further, aspects of advocacy at systemic levels, and micro levels will be discussed. Different aspects of collaborative care are explored in this thesis, as well as some limitations that men who have been sexually assaulted in the military face. The vulnerabilities that men face when experienced sexual assault in the military are expressed thoroughly throughout this project, as there have been numerous amounts of vulnerabilities uncovered. The different factors that play a role in reporting allow for a gap in the literature, and this thesis aims to expand on some of the reasons why reporting male sexual assault in the military is so difficult. This paper will help describe some of the barriers that come with reporting sexual assault in the military for males, and some of the best ways to help treat these individuals that are inclusive to everyone.