Sexuality is an important aspect of human life that plays a significant role in various aspects of individuals' lives. It has been observed that people often neglect their sexual desires while they are deployed, which leads to emotional, physical, and mental discomfort for both the individual and their partners. Deployment involves separation from loved ones for long periods, living in cramped spaces, and being surrounded by strangers. These factors can impact one's sexual desire, leading to diminished sexual satisfaction. Sexual satisfaction contributes to relational bonding, psychosexual health, and moral alignment during deployment. In this article, we will explore how sexual satisfaction influences these three crucial aspects of deployment and provide strategies to improve them.
Relational Bonding
Relationship bonds are strengthened through emotional and physical intimacy, including sex. When a couple engages in regular sex, it helps build trust, commitment, empathy, and mutual respect. This is because sex requires vulnerability and openness, which fosters closeness between partners.
When couples do not have sex or experience dissatisfaction during sex, they may lose interest in each other and drift apart.
During deployment, communication becomes difficult due to distance and time constraints. Couples must rely on technology to stay connected and maintain their relationship. This means that sexual desire may suffer if there are no physical cues, such as touch, to arouse it. As a result, couples who cannot meet their partner's sexual needs may struggle to maintain a strong connection. To mitigate this issue, couples should make an effort to communicate about their sexual needs before, during, and after deployment. They should also schedule video calls with their partners to express their love and affection physically.
Psychosexual Health
Sexuality is essential for human development and well-being. A lack of sexual satisfaction can lead to depression, anxiety, stress, and a negative body image. During deployment, individuals may feel disconnected from their bodies and sense of self, leading to low self-esteem. Sexual activity provides positive reinforcement and releases endorphins that promote feelings of pleasure and happiness. It also improves mood and relieves tension, making people more resilient to the challenges of deployment.
Soldiers may face barriers to achieving sexual gratification while deployed. These include insufficient privacy, limited access to intimate apparel, and restrictions on sexual activities. To overcome these issues, soldiers should prioritize self-care by practicing healthy habits, including exercise, nutrition, and relaxation techniques. They should also take advantage of opportunities for sexual exploration, such as masturbation or fantasizing with their partner.
Moral Alignment
Deployment involves adhering to strict moral codes and values, which can impact one's sexual behavior. When soldiers engage in sexually immoral activities, they risk violating their beliefs and damaging their reputation. This can lead to guilt, shame, and isolation, undermining their morale and performance.
To maintain moral alignment during deployment, soldiers should practice self-control and avoid risky behaviors, such as unprotected sex or infidelity. They must also be mindful of their surroundings and avoid situations where they may be tempted to act immorally.
They should discuss their moral code with their partners before deployment and seek support if necessary.
How does sexual satisfaction contribute to relational bonding, psychosexual health, and moral alignment during deployment?
Sexual satisfaction has been found to have important contributions to the overall wellbeing of service members deployed abroad. For one, sexual satisfaction can facilitate stronger relational bonds between partners as it reinforces intimacy and trust. In addition, studies have shown that couples who experience high levels of sexual satisfaction are more likely to report greater relationship satisfaction compared to those who do not.