The negotiation of relational disclosure is an important aspect of social interaction between soldiers. This involves sharing personal information about oneself with others in order to establish and maintain interpersonal connections.
When it comes to discussing topics such as sex, sexuality, and intimacy, there may be added risks due to potential discrimination based on gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, or other factors. In this article, I will explore how soldiers navigate these challenges while seeking closeness and connection in their relationships.
Negotiating Relational Disclosure
Soldiers face unique pressures and constraints that make negotiating relational disclosure more difficult than for civilians. They often live and work in close quarters with limited privacy and have tight schedules that leave little time for building intimate connections outside of their unit.
They must balance loyalty to their unit and country with individual needs for emotional support and connection. As a result, they may feel pressure to maintain certain boundaries around what they share about themselves and their lives.
Gender Identities
One factor that can affect relational disclosure is gender identity. Soldiers who identify as LGBTQ+ may face additional challenges in disclosing their sexual orientation or gender identity due to societal stigma and fears of discrimination from colleagues or superiors. To mitigate these risks, some soldiers choose to downplay or hide their gender identity altogether, limiting the depth of their relationship with others. Others may seek out communities within their unit where they feel accepted and supported, allowing them to open up more fully.
Racial and Ethnic Identities
Soldiers who identify as members of racial or ethnic minorities may also experience discrimination within their units. This can lead to feelings of isolation and difficulty establishing meaningful connections with peers. Some soldiers may choose to downplay their identities or avoid discussing topics related to race or culture to minimize potential conflicts.
This can also mean missing out on opportunities for mutual understanding and growth.
Religious Beliefs
Soldiers' religious beliefs can also impact how they negotiate relational disclosure. Those who practice religions that are not widely practiced by their comrades may find it difficult to share aspects of their faith without facing judgment or misunderstanding.
Those whose religious beliefs conflict with military policies, such as those related to sexuality or gender roles, may feel pressure to keep their views private in order to maintain good standing within the unit.
Managing Risks and Rewards
Despite these challenges, many soldiers still find ways to navigate relational disclosure and build strong relationships based on trust and support. They may use code words or jokes to signal interest in intimacy without explicitly stating their desires, or focus on shared interests and experiences to connect despite differences in background or beliefs.
Successful negotiation of relational disclosure requires a balance between risk-taking and caution, ensuring that both parties feel safe and respected while exploring deeper levels of connection.
How do soldiers negotiate relational disclosure under risk of discrimination?
Soldiers often face difficulties when it comes to discussing their experiences with others because of stigma against mental health issues associated with PTSD, which can lead to self-stigmatization if they are not cautious about how much information they reveal about themselves. This is especially true for soldiers who belong to marginalized communities such as racial or ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, or people with disabilities.