Combat Exposure and Emotional Support
In modern warfare, soldiers are often exposed to intense stressors that can have a profound impact on their psychological health. One such stressor is combat trauma, which refers to the experience of witnessing or participating in events involving death, injury, destruction, and violence. Research suggests that combat exposure may lead to changes in perceptions of emotional support and relational equity, particularly among soldiers who experience combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. This article will explore how combat exposure affects perceptions of emotional support and relational equity in depth.
Emotional Support and Relational Equity
Emotional support refers to the provision of comfort, understanding, validation, and empathy during times of distress. It involves providing comfort, reassurance, and guidance in order to help others cope with difficult situations. Relational equity, on the other hand, is a concept that describes the degree to which individuals feel they receive equal consideration and treatment from their partners or friends. Individuals with high levels of relational equity tend to feel more connected, valued, and supported by their partner or friend.
Effects of Combat Trauma on Perceptions of Emotional Support
Research suggests that combat trauma may lead to decreased feelings of emotional support. Soldiers who experience combat trauma may find it challenging to connect emotionally with others, as they may be unable to trust or open up due to fear of being judged or rejected. They may also feel ashamed or guilty about their experiences and have difficulty expressing their emotions. As a result, they may become less likely to seek out emotional support from loved ones or close friends, leading to increased feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Combat trauma can also impact the way individuals perceive emotional support.
Soldiers who witness traumatic events may become hypervigilant, meaning they are constantly scanning for threats and danger, even when there is no actual threat present. This can make it difficult to relax and enjoy time with loved ones, as they may always be on alert for potential dangers. This hypervigilance can also make them less able to recognize and appreciate positive emotional cues, such as love and affection.
Combat Trauma and Perceptions of Relational Equity
Combat exposure can also affect perceptions of relational equity. Individuals who experience combat trauma may feel like they do not receive enough emotional support from their partners or friends, leading to feelings of insecurity, jealousy, and anger. They may also feel that their partners or friends do not understand the unique stressors they face as veterans, which can create tension and conflict within relationships. In some cases, these feelings may lead to relationship breakdown or divorce.
Combat trauma can also impact how individuals perceive themselves in terms of their ability to provide emotional support.
Veterans who suffer from PTSD symptoms may feel like they cannot adequately support their partner's needs, leading to decreased self-esteem and confidence. This can further contribute to problems in intimate relationships, as partners may begin to doubt their own worthiness or value.
Combat trauma can have profound effects on perceptions of emotional support and relational equity. It can lead to decreased feelings of comfort, understanding, validation, and empathy among those affected by the trauma.
It can impact how individuals perceive their partners and friends, creating tensions and conflicts that may ultimately result in relationship breakdown. Understanding these challenges is crucial for promoting healthy and positive relationships after combat exposure.
How does combat exposure affect perceptions of emotional support and relational equity?
Emotional Support is defined as providing comfort and reassurance to someone experiencing distressing feelings (e. g. , sadness, fear) to reduce their negative impact on their wellbeing (Hughes & Gavin, 2018). Relational Equity refers to an individual's perception that they are treated fairly and equally by others, regardless of gender, age, socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, etc.