The process of transforming self in women veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from sexual abuse.

In recent years increasing attention has been given to the prevalence and impact of military sexual abuse. Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a diagnostic entity originally restricted to those who had experienced wartime trauma, have been observed in women veterans who reported that they were sexually abused during military service. However, little research has been conducted in this area. The purpose of this study was to determine the recovery process in women veterans suffering from PTSD resulting from sexual abuse. Using grounded theory methods, the researchers interviewed 16 women veterans who were in active recovery. Constant comparison data analysis revealed the emerging basic social process of "transforming self." The findings indicate that participants transformed self by progressing through five stages: reacting to triggers; seeking validation; sorting through confusion; becoming intentional; and affirming self. The authors compare these findings to other research on recovery from sexual abuse.