Exploring the Impact of Military Sexual Trauma on Occupational Participation in Canadian Women and Gender-Diverse Veterans Through Qualitative Interviews

Occupational participation refers to engaging in roles and activities that support self-care, societal engagement, and well-being in response to personal and environmental demands. Although research on military sexual trauma (MST) increasingly examines its effects on women’s occupations, its broader impact, particularly beyond gendered roles, remains underexplored. This study used a constructivist approach to explore how MST affects the occupational participation of women and gender-diverse veterans in the Canadian Armed Forces. Findings highlight the multifaceted challenges MST causes - including disruptions in identity, occupational choices, and relationships - while emphasizing participants’ resilience in redefining their roles, underscoring the need for trauma-informed, occupation-focused support systems.