How do repeated absences due to deployment affect relational attachment security and overall relationship stability?
This study explores how repeated deployments can impact the relational attachment security and overall relationship stability of service members who are away from their significant others for extended periods of time. While there is no one size fits all approach to managing deployment-related stress, it is important to explore the ways in which these separations may influence attachment patterns and long-term relational outcomes. This paper will provide an overview of the current literature on the subject and offer practical strategies that can be used to mitigate negative effects.
Attachment theory suggests that securely attached individuals have a sense of safety and trust in their partners, while those with an insecure attachment style may experience increased fear and anxiety in response to perceived threats or rejection. For military couples, prolonged separation due to deployment can lead to feelings of insecurity and distrust, as well as difficulty reconnecting upon return. Research has shown that even brief separations can disrupt attachment bonds, so imagine how longer ones might further exacerbate these issues.
Impacts of Deployment on Relational Attachment Security
Deployment can lead to a number of relational difficulties, including but not limited to: increased conflict, decreased intimacy, and reduced communication between partners.
Deployed soldiers may feel a loss of identity and purpose, leading to further strain on the relationship. These factors contribute to an overall decrease in relational attachment security, making it more difficult for the couple to maintain emotional connection and intimacy.
Strategies for Managing Deployment Stress
There are several strategies that service members and their partners can implement to manage deployment-related stress. One strategy is to practice open communication before, during, and after deployments. Discuss expectations, worries, and concerns about deployment in advance, and regularly check in throughout the process. Utilize technology such as video calls, phone calls, and social media to stay connected when physical distance exists. It's also important for each partner to seek out support from friends, family, or therapists to cope with the added stress of deployment.
Repeated absences due to deployment have negative impacts on relational attachment security and overall relationship stability.
There are practical steps that couples can take to mitigate these effects. By practicing open communication, utilizing available technology, and seeking additional support, military families can maintain healthy relationships even while apart.
How do repeated absences due to deployment affect relational attachment security and overall relationship stability?
Deployment can have significant effects on the formation and maintenance of romantic relationships, with one major consequence being that it may lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, and insecurity among partners left behind. The repeated absence of the deployed partner may make it difficult for both parties to establish a secure emotional connection, as they struggle to maintain closeness despite physical distance.