The military is an institution that places high value on strength, discipline, and stoicism, where emotional expression is often discouraged and vulnerability is seen as weakness. This cultural norm can create a barrier to seeking out relational support, particularly among male service members who may feel pressure to appear strong and invulnerable around their peers.
Research suggests that soldiers require healthy social connections to maintain mental health and well-being. How do soldiers balance the need for relational support with perceived stigma associated with vulnerability?
According to sociologist Brene Brown's concept of "vulnerability," this involves experiencing uncertainty and exposure to potential harm. In her TED Talk on the subject, she notes that people who are more open to being vulnerable tend to have stronger relationships because they risk being hurt but also experience greater joy. Vulnerability requires courage and trust, which is why it can be difficult to share personal feelings or struggles with others without fear of judgment or rejection. The same is true in the military setting, where soldiers may hesitate to seek help even when they need it due to concerns about appearing weak.
Perceived Stigma Associated with Vulnerability:
Soldiers may face additional challenges when trying to access relational support during deployments or other stressful situations. Deployments can isolate them from friends and family, making it harder to find someone to talk to about their experiences. In addition, there is a cultural expectation that soldiers should be able to handle adversity without external help. Soldiers who seek emotional support may worry that they will be labeled as weak or unable to cope with the demands of their job, potentially impacting career advancement opportunities. This stigmatization can discourage soldiers from seeking out the assistance they need to maintain good mental health.
Balancing Needs for Relational Support and Vulnerability:
Despite these barriers, some soldiers are able to balance their needs for relational support with perceived stigma associated with vulnerability. One approach is to engage in activities with peers that allow for emotional expression without directly addressing personal issues.
Sharing funny stories or jokes can help create a sense of connection while avoiding more sensitive topics. Another approach is to reach out to trained professionals, such as chaplains or counselors, who can provide support without disclosing specific details about a soldier's personal life.
Some soldiers may choose to confide in close friends or family members outside of the military setting, where they feel safer expressing themselves.
Soldiers must navigate complex social norms around vulnerability and strength to access needed relational support. By recognizing the importance of emotional connection and finding safe ways to express themselves, soldiers can maintain healthy relationships despite cultural expectations.
How do soldiers balance the need for relational support with perceived stigma associated with vulnerability?
"Soldiers must navigate the challenges of finding support while also avoiding perceived weakness or isolation from their peers. Some strategies include building relationships based on mutual trust and respect, setting boundaries around personal information shared with others, participating in group activities that foster camaraderie, seeking out professional mental health services as needed, and actively promoting positive attitudes towards seeking help.