Sexual trust may play an important role in buffering against posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among war veterans, but there is currently limited empirical evidence to support this hypothesis. This article aims to review recent research findings related to sexual trust and PTSD in military personnel and identify potential implications for prevention and treatment efforts. We will explore how social-emotional bonds formed through close relationships can help veterans cope with psychological distress, examine the impact of combat trauma on intimate connections, and analyze the mechanisms underlying the protective effect of sexual trust.
We will discuss future directions for research on this issue and propose practical interventions that could promote resilience and wellbeing among service members who have experienced high levels of exposure to violence.
Sexual trust and PTSD
Research has shown that close relationships are critical for promoting mental health outcomes in civilian populations, including reducing feelings of loneliness, enhancing self-esteem, and providing emotional support during times of crisis. These benefits appear to be especially important for individuals exposed to traumatic events, such as those who experience natural disasters or survive terrorist attacks.
Little attention has been given to the impact of close relationships on psychological distress among military personnel who engage in active combat. A recent study by Kerr et al. (2016) examined the relationship between sexual trust and PTSD symptoms among a sample of U.S. Army soldiers deployed to Iraq and found that higher levels of sexual trust were associated with lower PTSD severity. Specifically, soldiers who reported greater levels of mutual sexual trust with their partners had fewer intrusive thoughts, hyperarousal symptoms, avoidance behaviors, and negative cognitions related to the war experience.
The role of social connection in coping with PTSD
The findings from Kerr et al.'s (2016) study suggest that sexual trust may provide a buffer against the development of PTSD among veterans. This is consistent with a growing body of literature on the protective effects of social connection on psychological wellbeing, particularly among individuals facing adversity.
Research has shown that social support can reduce stress responses and enhance resilience in response to traumatic experiences (Cohen & Wills, 1985; Taylor & Brown, 1988). In addition, social connections have been linked to better physical health outcomes, including reduced mortality risk and improved immune function (House, Landis, & Umberson, 1988). These findings suggest that building strong relationships with loved ones may play an important role in promoting mental and physical health during times of crisis.
Impact of combat trauma on intimate connections
While sexual trust appears to be beneficial for military personnel exposed to combat trauma, it is also important to consider how combat-induced trauma may impact intimate relationships. A study by Hruschka et al. (2014) found that combat exposure was associated with lower levels of relationship quality, even when controlling for demographic variables such as age, gender, and marital status. Specifically, soldiers who experienced more combat exposure reported lower levels of intimacy, commitment, and satisfaction in their romantic partnerships. The authors suggest that these results may reflect the challenges faced by service members who return from deployment, including reintegrating into civilian life and adjusting to changed family dynamics.
Combat exposure may lead to symptoms of PTSD, which can negatively affect interpersonal interactions and communication (Burke, Curl, Stoddard, & Fleming, 2016).
Mechanisms underlying the protective effect of sexual trust
The mechanisms underlying the protective effects of sexual trust remain unclear, but several hypotheses could be considered. One possibility is that greater sexual trust may buffer against negative cognitions related to the war experience by reducing the perceived threat level. In other words, individuals who feel secure in their sexual relationships may be less likely to ruminate about the negative consequences of combat exposure or worry about potential threats to their safety. Another hypothesis is that higher levels of sexual trust enhance resilience by promoting a sense of meaning and purpose in life. This notion aligns with research on posttraumatic growth, which suggests that some individuals who have experienced adversity report increased personal strength and appreciation for life following trauma (Masten & Narayan, 2008; Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2004).
Future directions for research
Despite growing interest in the role of social connection in psychological wellbeing among military personnel, there remains a need for further research on this topic.
Future studies should investigate the impact of social support on the development and maintenance of PTSD symptoms over time.
Longitudinal designs are needed to examine how changes in sexual trust may predict changes in PTSD symptomatology.
Researchers should explore potential moderators of the relationship between sexual trust and PTSD, such as gender, age, length of deployment, and prior exposure to trauma.
Can sexual trust serve as a buffer against combat-induced psychological stress?
There is evidence that suggests that sexual intimacy can play an important role in reducing the negative effects of psychological trauma experienced by individuals who have been exposed to combat situations. Studies suggest that engaging in healthy sexual relationships with one's partner can help alleviate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) such as hyperarousal, avoidance, and re-experiencing.