title: Sexuality among wounded veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and Operation New Dawn (OND): Implications for rehabilitation psychologists.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The sexual lives of returning Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and Operation New Dawn (OND) veterans have only been discussed minimally in the psychological literature. Given the nature of military social and cultural contexts, the potential for exposure to combat-related stressors that may lead to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the risk of traumatic brain injury secondary to physical injury, the potential for significant psychological and relational ramifications exists. This article focuses on the intimate relationships and sexuality of returning OIF/OEF/OND veterans within the context of their personal cultural variables and the diverse experience of being a part of military life.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Culturally competent assessment and evidenced-based treatment approaches are highlighted to offer clinicians initial strategies to begin treatment of sexuality issues within the returning Veteran population. These clinical tools are discussed within a positive psychology approach that emphasizes healthy sexuality as a part of overall satisfactory quality of life.
authors: Psychology Department, California State University, Sacramento.
authors: Rebecca P
authors: RP
authors: Cameron
authors: Behavioral Health, VA Long Beach Healthcare System.
authors: Linda R
authors: LR
authors: Mona
authors: SDSU/UCSD Cancer Center Comprehensive Partnership.
authors: Maggie L
authors: 0000-0003-3260-5568
authors: ML
authors: Syme
authors: Nicholas A. Cummings Behavioral Health Program, Arizona State University.
authors: Colleen
authors: C
authors: Clemency Cordes
authors: Behavioral Health, VA Long Beach Healthcare System.
authors: Sarah S
authors: SS
authors: Fraley
authors: Spinal Cord Injury/Disorders Service, VA Long Beach Healthcare System.
authors: Suzie S
authors: SS
authors: Chen
authors: Department of Psychology, Gallaudet University.
authors: Leslie S
authors: LS
authors: Klein
authors: VA Los Angeles Ambulatory Care Center.
authors: Elizabeth
authors: E
authors: Welsh
authors: Graduate School of Education and Psychology, Pepperdine University.
authors: Kimberly
authors: K
authors: Smith
authors: Geriatrics and Extended Care, VA Long Beach Healthcare System.
authors: Larry
authors: L
authors: Lemos
mesh_terms: D055826:Afghan Campaign 2001-; D001727:Bisexuality / Q000523:psychology; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003130:Combat Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D019548:Crime Victims / Q000523:psychology; D054521:Cultural Competency / Q000523:psychology; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000379:methods; D006716:Homosexuality / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D054542:Iraq War, 2003-2011; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D017678:Sex Distribution; D019529:Sexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*