Date

5-20-2026

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)

Chair

Fred Volk

Keywords

Male MST; Sexual trauma; military sexual trauma

Disciplines

Counseling

Abstract

Military sexual trauma (MST) is an important and often overlooked issue affecting male veterans. Research indicates that men encounter MST at notable rates and confront distinct challenges in accessing care. Although the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides specialized MST services, there remains a significant gap in the literature regarding men's underutilization of these resources, particularly given their disproportionate presence in the VA's traditionally male-dominated healthcare system. The purpose of this phenomenological study is to understand the lived experience of men currently living in Southwestern Louisiana who have experienced military sexual trauma while on active duty. The theories guiding this study are gender role conflict theory (GRCT) (O’Neil et al., 2017) and institutional betrayal theory (Freyd, 1996) as they pertain to the lived experiences of men who have survived military sexual trauma. This study aims to explore how these experiences continue to affect their lives socially, physically, spiritually, and psychologically. Additionally, it seeks to understand why they are reluctant to utilize specialized care, even when resources are available within institutions. This study will utilize semi-structured interviews with 12-15 male veterans who experienced MST during their service. This research will build on recent findings in the field, contributing to a growing body of literature that calls for a more nuanced understanding of how gender and trauma intersect within military contexts.

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