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Examining the Association between Trauma Exposure and Work-Related Outcomes in Women Veterans

Author

Listed:
  • Megan E. Sienkiewicz

    (National Center for PTSD Women’s Health Sciences Division, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02130, USA)

  • Aneline Amalathas

    (Ochsner Clinical School, University of Queensland, New Orleans, LA 70121, USA)

  • Katherine M. Iverson

    (National Center for PTSD Women’s Health Sciences Division, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02130, USA
    Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA)

  • Brian N. Smith

    (National Center for PTSD Women’s Health Sciences Division, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02130, USA
    Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA)

  • Karen S. Mitchell

    (National Center for PTSD Women’s Health Sciences Division, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02130, USA
    Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA)

Abstract

Women veterans have high rates of trauma exposure, including military sexual trauma (MST), which are associated with numerous health and psychosocial consequences. However, associations between trauma history and work-related outcomes are less well-characterized. We examined whether military-related and non-military trauma types were associated with work-related outcomes and whether posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression symptoms mediated these associations. A total of 369 women veterans completed up to two mailed surveys, 12 months apart, assessing trauma exposure, depression and PTSD symptoms, occupational functioning, and employment status (unemployed, out of the workforce, employed). Participants reported high rates of trauma exposure. Nearly half (47.5%) were out of the workforce. Military-related trauma, military sexual assault, and adult sexual assault were associated with worse occupational functioning. Only PTSD symptoms mediated associations between trauma types and occupational functioning. No trauma types were significantly directly associated with employment status; however, PTSD and depression symptoms mediated associations between trauma types and being out of the workforce. Findings can inform screening for military trauma exposures, mental health, and work-related needs among women veterans.

Suggested Citation

  • Megan E. Sienkiewicz & Aneline Amalathas & Katherine M. Iverson & Brian N. Smith & Karen S. Mitchell, 2020. "Examining the Association between Trauma Exposure and Work-Related Outcomes in Women Veterans," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-16, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:12:p:4585-:d:376439
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kimerling, R. & Gima, K. & Smith, M.W. & Street, A. & Frayne, S., 2007. "The Veterans Health Administration and military sexual trauma," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 97(12), pages 2160-2166.
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    Cited by:

    1. Karen A. Lawrence & Dawne Vogt & Adam J. Dugan & Shawn Nigam & Emily Slade & Brian N. Smith, 2021. "Mental Health and Psychosocial Functioning in Recently Separated U.S. Women Veterans: Trajectories and Bi-Directional Relationships," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-15, January.

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