Soldiers are expected to perform well under pressure while facing life-threatening situations.
Military operations can cause significant operational stress that affect their psychological state and behavior, including their relationship dynamics. This study explores how operational stress influences soldiers' perception of relational fairness, equity, and reciprocity. We will consider various factors such as combat exposure, age, rank, marital status, gender, and personality traits that may impact these relationships. The findings have important implications for military leaders who seek to promote healthy soldier-to-soldier relations during active missions.
Combat Exposure
Combat exposure is a crucial factor influencing how soldiers perceive relational fairness, equity, and reciprocity. Soldiers with more combat experience tend to develop heightened trust and loyalty towards their peers, resulting in better teamwork and collaboration. They also become less sensitive to unfair treatment from others due to repeated exposure to dangerous circumstances. Conversely, novice soldiers may struggle to build trusting relationships because they lack familiarity with the battlefield environment.
Some studies suggest that soldiers with higher levels of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms report lower levels of relational justice than those without PTSD. This suggests that soldiers exposed to combat may be at risk for perceiving unfairness more strongly when dealing with personal or professional matters outside of war zones.
Age
Age is another factor that could influence soldiers' perception of relational justice. Younger soldiers may feel more entitled to fair treatment and are more likely to challenge unfair actions by superiors or colleagues.
Older soldiers may have developed a sense of resilience through prior experiences and be less likely to question authority figures or expect special treatment.
It appears that age has mixed effects on relational justice perceptions among soldiers based on individual differences in maturity level and life experiences.
Rank
Rank can play a role in determining how soldiers view relational justice. Lower-ranking soldiers are often subjected to greater power imbalances compared to their superiors and may feel more vulnerable when challenging orders or making requests. On the other hand, higher-ranking soldiers may receive preferential treatment and be able to exert more control over resources and decision-making processes. This can lead to an unequal distribution of rewards and punishments within the unit, potentially impacting overall team morale.
Rank has been linked to different personality traits, such as conscientiousness and agreeableness, which may also affect relational justice perceptions.
Marital Status
Soldiers who are married tend to view relationships differently from single soldiers due to familial obligations and commitments. They may seek out support networks beyond the military community and place greater importance on maintaining stable relationships at home. Single soldiers may have more freedom to engage in risky behavior or form bonds with fellow troops without fear of consequences. These differences could influence how they perceive relational fairness, equity, and reciprocity within their unit.
Gender
Gender plays a significant role in shaping soldiers' relationship dynamics and how they perceive justice. Women may face additional barriers and biases related to gender stereotypes and sexual harassment within military settings.
Female soldiers may prioritize building strong relationships with other women to provide emotional support and create safe spaces for themselves. Conversely, male soldiers may bond through shared experiences of combat and physical challenges, leading to closer connections that transcend gender roles.
Gender differences in relational justice perceptions likely reflect broader societal norms and expectations surrounding masculinity and femininity.
Personality Traits
Personality traits like neuroticism and extraversion can also shape soldiers' views of relational justice. Highly neurotic individuals tend to experience more stress and anxiety in response to negative situations, while extroverts thrive off social interactions. Both factors could impact their tolerance for unfair treatment and willingness to challenge authority figures when necessary.
Conscientiousness is associated with self-discipline and attention to detail, which can lead to heightened sensitivity to perceived injustices.
Agreeableness is linked to cooperation and empathy, potentially affecting how soldiers treat each other fairly in different contexts.
How does operational stress influence soldiers' perception of relational fairness, equity, and reciprocity?
According to recent research, when soldiers experience high levels of operational stress, they may perceive their relationships with others as less fair, equitable, and reciprocated than usual. This is because prolonged exposure to stressful situations can lead to changes in brain chemistry and physiology that alter how individuals process social information.