Date of Conferral

11-14-2025

Date of Award

November 2025

Degree

Doctor of Human Services (D.H.S.)

School

Human Services

Advisor

Gregory Hickman

Abstract

The phenomenon of Military sexual trauma (MST) among male survivors is significantly underreported and lacking in scholarly research. The purpose of this qualitative generic study was to explore male veteran MST survivors’ perspectives on military culture and institutional betrayal. Cultural spillover theory provided the framework, emphasizing that a culture that legitimizes violence to achieve its goals has the potential to foster illegitimate violence within that culture. The primary research question in this study was: What are the perceptions and experiences of male veteran MST survivors on military institutional culture and MST? Six semi-structured interviews were conducted via Zoom with male veteran MST survivors who served on active duty when the incident of MST occurred. Open-ended questions during participant interviews highlighted the participants’ views on military culture and institutional betrayal. Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis and manual coding were applied during data analysis, and four themes emerged. Results revealed that the hemogenic masculine culture of the military and institutional betrayal contribute to male service members becoming victims/survivors of MST. This research contributes to positive social change by adding to current knowledge regarding male MST survivors’ experiences and the need for a positive culture shift in the United States military. In addition, this study contributes to positive social change by highlighting the need for ongoing MST assessments for military members, annual MST awareness and education training, and the necessity of creating supportive systems to combat the stigma associated with male MST.

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