Angela R. Febbraro

Gender and Military Psychology

The focus of this chapter is on major themes in research and theory in the field of gender and military psychology. The chapter includes a summary and discussion of psychological research and theory regarding selected topics in the field of gender and the military, as well as suggestions for future research.

Experiences and Perceptions of Sexual Harassment in the Canadian Forces Combat Arms

Recent studies examining sexual harassment in the military indicate a decrease in reports of harassment, which may be attributed to several factors, including zero-tolerance policies or anti-harassment programs. However, the decrease may also be attributed to fears of losing one’s job or of being derogated by colleagues if harassment is reported. This qualitative study of women employed in the Canadian combat arms examined spontaneously shared perceptions and experiences of sexual harassment. Six of the 26 women interviewed shared their experiences or perceptions of harassment, including concerns about potential repercussions of reporting. Implications for gender integration in military organizations are discussed.

Canada’s Civil–Military Seminar: An Approach to Narrowing the Civil–Military Gap

The “civil–military gap” is a significant factor that can hinder the success of complex comprehensive approach missions. Perhaps nowhere is this gap more apparent than in the relationship between military and civilian nongovernmental organizations. Interagency education and training have been suggested as ways to diminish this divide. This research describes one Canadian approach to interagency education: the Civil–Military Seminar. Quantitative and qualitative results demonstrate the promise of both the assessment approach used and the positive outcomes that may help to narrow the civil–military gap.