There has been growing interest in understanding how intimate support can help military personnel cope with psychological distress and develop resilience. This is particularly relevant given the high rates of mental health problems among military personnel, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and suicide.
Despite this increased focus, little research has examined whether and how intimate support contributes to individual resilience. To address this gap, I will discuss some potential mechanisms by which intimate support may contribute to personal resilience, drawing from theory and empirical evidence.
Intimate support refers to emotional and practical assistance that individuals receive from close others, such as family members, partners, friends, or comrades. In general, it involves the provision of empathy, comfort, advice, assistance, and/or companionship during times of need. This support can take many forms, including verbal communication, physical touch, shared activities, and material resources.
Research suggests that intimate support can be an important source of resilience for military personnel, especially when they are experiencing trauma or distress related to their service.
Studies have found that social support can buffer the negative effects of combat exposure on PTSD symptoms and mitigate the impacts of other traumas, such as sexual assault or witnessing death. In addition, intimate relationships have been linked to lower levels of depressive symptoms and better overall well-being, even after accounting for other factors like age, gender, and rank.
One way in which intimate support may enhance resilience is by providing a sense of social connection and belonging. Social connectedness has been identified as a key factor in psychological adjustment, with studies suggesting that individuals who feel more socially integrated tend to experience fewer mental health problems. Intimate relationships provide a unique opportunity to build strong connections with others, allowing military personnel to share experiences, receive validation, and gain a sense of security and stability.
Intimate support can help individuals develop coping strategies and maintain positive outlooks. Studies have found that individuals who receive greater social support report higher levels of optimism and problem-solving skills, as well as lower levels of hopelessness and rumination. These characteristics are associated with increased resilience, as they allow individuals to adapt to challenges and overcome adversity.
Intimate support also provides practical assistance, such as emotional regulation and resource provision. This type of support can be particularly valuable for military personnel, who often face numerous stressors (e.g., financial difficulties, family separation) outside of their professional duties. Close relationships can provide a source of stability, allowing individuals to focus on their recovery and minimize external distractions.
Research has shown that military spouses play an important role in helping service members cope with postdeployment readjustment issues, including reintegration into civilian life.
Not all forms of intimate support are equally effective in promoting resilience.
Some studies suggest that intimate partnerships involving high levels of conflict or dysfunction may actually increase the risk of PTSD symptoms and other negative outcomes. In addition, certain cultural contexts may influence the acceptance and perception of intimacy, making it more difficult for some individuals to access this form of support.
Intimate support appears to be an important mechanism for personal resilience among military personnel, providing emotional and practical assistance during times of need. Future research should continue to explore the mechanisms by which intimate support contributes to individual resilience, considering factors like gender, culture, and relationship quality. By understanding these mechanisms, we can develop interventions that promote positive outcomes for military personnel and their families.
Can intimate support serve as a mechanism for personal resilience in soldiers?
Soldiers who experience extreme stressors on the battlefield may find it helpful to seek intimate support from their partners to cope with these traumatic events. This form of social support has been shown to be effective in helping individuals process and make sense of trauma-related experiences, while also providing a source of comfort and connection during challenging times.