Recruitment challenges for research with 2SLGBTQIA+ service members who experienced military sexual trauma: A reflection
Abstract
Participant recruitment is foundational to research, yet it is often overlooked in studies on research methodologies. Recruitment can be challenging if the community researchers are trying to connect with might be difficult to define or hard to reach, such as 2SLGBTQIA+ service members and Veterans, particularly those who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST). This article engages with reflections based on the authors’ research study and relevant literature to discuss challenges to participant recruitment for studies involving 2SLGBTQIA+ service members and Veterans who have experienced MST. Four dominant challenges are discussed language, confidentiality and distrust, stakeholder engagement, and the current political climate.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Ethics in Clinical Research
Qualitative Research Methods and Ethics
LGBTQ Health
Identity
and Policy
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Military Veteran and Family Health
- Volume
- 12
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 170–176
- Publication date
- 4 March 2026
- Language
- EN