Sexual Risk-Taking and Negative Posttraumatic Cognitions Among Military Sexual Assault Survivors: Is Sex a Moderator?

Survivors of military sexual assault (MSA), which has been shown to be positively linked with negative posttraumatic cognitions (NPTCs), may be at an increased risk of engaging in sexual risk behaviors. However, the relation between sexual risk-taking and NPTCs among MSA survivors is understudied. In the present study, it was hypothesized that (1) there would be a significant positive association between sexual risk-taking and NPTCs among MSA survivors, and (2) sex would significantly moderate this association, such that the relation between NPTCs and sexual risk-taking would be stronger among male MSA survivors compared to female survivors. Secondary data came from the Military Social Science Laboratory (MiSSiLe) at Arizona State University (ASU). Participants (N = 400) completed surveys in Qualtrics, Inc. assessing military history, MSA exposure, sexual risk-taking, and NPTCs. Pearson’s correlation and simple linear regression with moderation were used to test the above hypotheses, covarying for age, marital status, military branch, and history of PTSD treatment. Results showed a significant positive association between sexual risk-taking and NPTCs among MSA survivors (p < .001); however, the interaction between sex and NPTCs only approached significance, such that the association was slightly stronger for male MSA survivors compared to female survivors (p = .055). These results suggest that the interplay between sexual risk-taking and NPTCs could be an important target for improving healthcare for MSA survivors. Furthermore, future research may consider utilizing study samples that more accurately reflect the distribution of service members across all military branches and the sex distribution of service members and veterans. Doing so would improve generalizability and better inform treatment.