What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to identify military factors affecting the recovery journey of military sexual trauma survivors from the perspectives of mental health specialists.

February 20, 2026

Factors impacting military sexual trauma survivors’ journey to recovery: Mental health specialists’ perspectives.

Key Points

This research aims to identify military factors affecting the recovery journey of military sexual trauma survivors from the perspectives of mental health specialists.
Conducted semistructured interviews with civilian and uniformed mental health specialists.
Developed a five-phase recovery model for MST survivors to guide the interviews.
Analyzed responses using reflexive thematic analysis.
Identified institutional and treatment-level barriers across all recovery phases.
Found 41 themes related to MST recovery, with 19 directly relevant to the study.
Highlighted the importance of supportive language and trauma-informed care in facilitating recovery.

Abstract

Military sexual trauma (MST) has been a long-standing concern within the U.S. military. Although research has examined risk factors and long-term impacts of MST, there is a gap in research about how the military impacts MST survivors' recovery and understanding mental health specialists' perspectives of MST recovery. This study aimed to identify military factors impacting an MST survivor's recovery journey from mental health specialists' perspectives. Qualitative data were collected through semistructured interviews with civilian and uniformed mental health specialists who have worked with MST survivors. Interviews followed a five-phase MST survivor's recovery model developed for this study (Phase 1: reporting the assault, Phase 2: obtaining medical care, Phase 3: accessing effective mental health care, Phase 4: institutional reintegration, and Phase 5: recovery). Responses were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Seven mental health specialists (85% female and 72% active duty) participated, averaging 11.3 (6.4) years of experience and working with an average of 115.4 (172.04) MST survivors. Findings revealed that each phase of a survivor's recovery journey encounters institutional and treatment-level barriers. Reflexive thematic analysis identified 41 themes, with 19 relevant to the current aims and eight identified as facilitators or barriers to recovery within the survivor's journey to recovery model. Results suggest that military personnel's use of supportive language when an assault is disclosed-shortening wait times between appointments when completing trauma-informed protocols, providing psychoeducation on trauma, defining MST recovery outcomes, and allowing time for recovery in garrison environments-may reduce barriers to recovery. Clinical recommendations are offered to help providers reduce possible MST recovery barriers. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

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