Violence against women is a United States’ and world-wide public health priority. Data suggests predictable and distinguishable medical and psychological sequelae of violence toward women. Adverse affects continue throughout life. The United States’ Army has a unique culture where hegemonic masculinity is a central defining concept. It is suggested that there is a link between a culture that values masculinity and domestic violence, and a link between the male bonding that occurs in the military and abuse of women. The study is based on Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior and compares the results of the Hypermasculinity Inventory Scale, the Domestic Violence Myth Acceptance Scales and salivary testosterone levels before and after U. S. Army Basic Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Comparisons will be made between testosterone levels before and after the 10 week training. Correlations of testosterone levels to the scores on the Hypermasculinity Inventory Scale and the Domestic Violence Myth Acceptance Scale will be explored. A paired t-test will be used to compare scores on the Hypermasculinity Inventory Scale and the Domestic Violence Myth Acceptance Scale before and after training. Subjects are volunteers who are entering U. S. Army basic training. Nurses are often the first to recognize domestic violence victims and address the issues. As reservists return from deployment in the war against terror, spouses will be seeking treatment in non military health treatment facilities. If an association exists between military training and domestic violence, health care providers will be better prepared to address this and develop appropriate intervention programs. This is a study in progress.
Session #1219 - Poster Session I
The 29th Annual MNRS Research Conference (April 1-4, 2005)