What does this research mean for the field?

Leadership engagement and military cultural elements, such as hierarchy and masculinity norms, are the primary determinants of the effectiveness and reception of sexual assault prevention trainings among male service members. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To evaluate how military culture influences the design, reception, and effectiveness of sexual assault prevention trainings among male service members using the Kirkpatrick evaluation framework.

August 22, 2026Journal of Child Sexual Abuse

Male Service Members’ Experiences of Sexual Assault Prevention Trainings in the U.S. Military

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Authors

KDKevin Ortiz DiazFlorida International University AGAbbey GaliFlorida International University DSDiana SolomonFlorida International University

Discussion

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Implication

Qualitative study reveals that leadership accountability and masculine norms drive sexual assault prevention training efficacy in male service members, highlighting the need for cultural reform.

Key Points

To evaluate how military culture influences the design, reception, and effectiveness of sexual assault prevention trainings among male service members using the Kirkpatrick evaluation framework.
Conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 17 current and former male service members across four U.S. military branches.
Applied codebook thematic analysis guided by the Kirkpatrick model's four levels (reaction, learning, behavior, and results) and Connell's framework of hegemonic masculinity.
Identified military leadership as the primary driver of training effectiveness; visible leader engagement and accountability fostered meaningful reception, whereas leader apathy fueled skepticism and fear of retaliation.
Demonstrated that rigid hierarchy, hegemonic masculinity, and heteronormative norms systematically undermine training outcomes and reporting behaviors.

Cite This Study

Diaz et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a895f0dca7ade938187d602 https://doi.org/10.1080/10538712.2026.2719687

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Implication

Qualitative study reveals that leadership accountability and masculine norms drive sexual assault prevention training efficacy in male service members, highlighting the need for cultural reform.

Male Service Members’ Experiences of Sexual Assault Prevention Trainings in the U.S. Military

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Male Service Members’ Experiences of Sexual Assault Prevention Trainings in the U.S. Military

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Also Consider

Also Consider