War is a state of armed conflict between states, societies, or groups, which are often accompanied by a breakdown of normal social relations. During wars, people experience many types of physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral stresses that affect their lives. One such stress is psychological stress. Psychological stress refers to the negative effects of war on individuals' psyche, cognitive abilities, and social interactions.
In times of war, combatants and civilians alike face various pressures like fear, anxiety, grief, guilt, anger, and depression. These can cause changes in thinking, moods, and behaviors.
Soldiers may have difficulty making rational decisions due to intense fear or extreme fatigue. Civilians may exhibit symptoms of PTSD, including nightmares, flashbacks, jumpiness, or isolation. The intensity of these feelings depends on the type of trauma experienced during wartime. It also varies from person to person based on their previous experiences. In addition, people facing combat situations tend to suffer more than those who remain safe.
War exposes people to different threats and dangers, leading them to make difficult choices. They must decide whether to fight back, flee, surrender, or stay put. Some choose to risk their lives for their families, communities, or nations. Others prioritize their own survival over others'. This can strain relationships as they become divided. Warriors may even feel betrayed by their comrades if they desert or go AWOL. Also, some may develop trust issues after witnessing atrocities committed by their enemies. Moreover, living under oppressive regimes often leads to conflicts between rebels and supporters.
Interpersonal decision-making becomes challenging due to psychosocial stressors caused by wars. People are forced to weigh potential risks against rewards while dealing with complex emotions like anger, despair, and resentment. Hence, they need support from friends, family members, counselors, or therapists to cope with these difficulties and make sound decisions. Without this help, individuals may become isolated, paranoid, or delusional, affecting their ability to interact positively with others. Therefore, all parties involved in wartime should work together to minimize psychological pressures, facilitate communication, and promote healthy interpersonal relationships.
How do psychosocial stressors in wartime influence interpersonal decision-making?
In times of war, individuals are exposed to various types of stressors that can significantly affect their interpersonal decisions. Psychosocial stressors refer to any external or internal stimulus that causes physical, emotional, and cognitive strain on an individual. These stressors can include exposure to violence, death, injury, displacement, loss of loved ones, and economic instability.