Impact of Childhood Sexual Abuse Severity on the Adjustment of Navy Recruits: An Evaluation of the Importance of the Nature of the Abusive Relationship

Abstract

This chapter briefly reviews research regarding the impact of premilitary interpersonal violence on the long-term adjustment of military personnel. It further presents new data regarding methodological issues in assessing the impact of premilitary childhood sexual abuse (CSA) severity on enlisted Navy personnel, with a specific focus on the nature of the CSA victim–perpetrator relationship as a severity indicator. Results suggest that both the experience of threats/force during CSA and the relationship in which the abuse occurred are important factors in defining abuse severity. This study further highlights the complex nature of CSA in different relationship categories for male and female victims. We conclude by identifying directions for future research on the long-term impact of premilitary interpersonal violence on service members.