We will explore whether romantic attachment can help to reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in military service members who have been deployed. PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event such as combat or natural disaster. It is characterized by re-experiencing trauma through intrusive thoughts, dreams, or flashbacks; avoidance of reminders of the trauma; negative changes in cognition and mood; and increased arousal and reactivity to situations. Symptoms can be debilitating and interfere with daily functioning. Post-deployment support programs aimed at mitigating the effects of PTSD often focus on treating veterans individually, but there may also be an important role for their partners.
Romantic attachment refers to the emotional connection between two people in a committed relationship. This attachment provides comfort, security, and support during times of distress, which may help individuals cope with stressful experiences. In recent years, research has suggested that romantic attachment may play a protective role against PTSD symptoms among civilians exposed to trauma.
A study found that women who reported greater levels of attachment anxiety (i.e., fear of losing their partner's love) had lower odds of developing PTSD following sexual assault than those who did not. Another study showed that higher levels of attachment security (i.e., confidence in one's partner's love and commitment) were associated with lower levels of PTSD severity among female victims of intimate partner violence. These findings suggest that the quality of a person's romantic relationship may influence their risk for PTSD.
It remains unclear whether these findings apply to military personnel who have been deployed. Deployment is a unique experience that involves exposure to traumatic events such as combat or injury, separation from loved ones, and adjustment to new living conditions. It can lead to increased stress and trauma-related symptoms, including PTSD. At the same time, deployment can strengthen relationships by increasing mutual dependence and trust. As such, understanding the impact of romantic attachment on PTSD may require consideration of both the individual and relational factors involved in deployment.
One possible explanation for why romantic attachment may be protective is that it provides emotional support during times of distress. Partners who feel securely attached to each other are more likely to provide comfort and reassurance when their partner experiences distressing thoughts or feelings related to their deployment. This support can help reduce the intensity and frequency of intrusive memories, avoidance behaviors, and negative mood states that characterize PTSD.
Partners who share a strong bond may be more willing to seek professional help together, which may facilitate access to effective treatments.
Another possibility is that romantic attachment may buffer against the effects of prolonged stressors encountered during deployment. Chronic stress has been linked to worse outcomes in PTSD treatment, particularly if individuals lack social support.
Strong romantic bonds may help counteract this effect by providing a sense of stability and belongingness. This could explain why some studies have found no significant differences in PTSD severity between couples with higher versus lower attachment anxiety or security.
While further research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying these findings, there is evidence that romantic attachment may play an important role in reducing the impact of PTSD among military service members. Future studies should explore how the quality of relationships and specific aspects of attachment (e.g., communication, intimacy) influence symptoms of PTSD.
Interventions aimed at improving romantic attachment may be useful in mitigating the effects of deployment-related trauma on mental health. By promoting secure attachments and providing emotional support, couples can work together to navigate the challenges of deployment and promote resilience.
Can romantic attachment mitigate the effects of post-traumatic stress in deployed personnel?
The impact of trauma can be severe and long-lasting for individuals who have experienced it during their deployment period. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that occurs when an individual has been exposed to a terrifying event or series of events.