The process of building relational competence after military service can be quite challenging for soldiers who have undergone high-intensity operational stress. This is because their previous experiences may have created an imbalance between them and those around them. They may find it difficult to express their feelings and needs accurately and effectively, which can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunications.
There are several ways that they can rebuild this skillset through various techniques that are discussed below.
Techniques for Building Relational Competence
One technique is active listening, where individuals learn how to listen carefully and respond appropriately to others' messages. Soldiers should pay attention to verbal and nonverbal cues and try to understand what the other person is saying without interrupting or judging. Active listening helps build trust and empathy between people, making communication more effective. Another technique is practicing empathetic responses, where individuals focus on understanding another person's perspective and emotions before reacting. This involves imagining oneself in someone else's shoes and trying to feel what they are feeling. It also allows individuals to gain insight into themselves and their own emotional reactions, helping them better communicate with others.
Therapy and Counseling
Therapy and counseling can also help soldiers rebuild relational competence by providing a safe space to discuss personal issues and receive support from professionals trained in trauma recovery. These sessions allow individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings openly without fear of judgment or criticism. Therapists can provide guidance on healthy communication strategies, such as setting boundaries and negotiating conflict constructively. Counselors can assist soldiers in processing past experiences and developing coping mechanisms that promote healthy relationships.
Mindfulness Practices
Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and yoga, can also improve relational competence. They involve paying attention to one's present moment without judgment and focusing on the breath, sensations, and thoughts. By doing so, soldiers can become more aware of their own emotions and learn how to regulate them effectively. This can translate to better emotional regulation in interpersonal interactions, leading to improved communication and increased intimacy.
Self-Reflection
Self-reflection is a crucial skill for building relational competence after military service. Soldiers should take time to reflect on their beliefs, values, and emotions and consider how these impact their relationships. This can include exploring childhood experiences, examining current patterns of behavior, and identifying triggers for negative reactions. Through self-reflection, soldiers can gain insight into themselves and develop greater awareness of their strengths and weaknesses.
Soldiers who have undergone high-intensity operational stress can build relational competence by using active listening, practicing empathetic responses, seeking therapy and counseling, engaging in mindfulness practices, and engaging in self-reflection. These techniques can help individuals understand themselves and others better, improving communication and trust within their relationships.
How do soldiers rebuild relational competence when high-intensity operational stress has eroded prior emotional skills?
According to researchers, soldiers may utilize various strategies to regain their relational competencies after experiencing high-intensity stress during combat operations. These include seeking support from family members, engaging in leisure activities, practicing mindfulness techniques, attending therapy sessions, and participating in peer support groups (Smith et al. , 2015).