The effects of deployment can be quite difficult for military couples due to the lack of time they spend together. This is especially true when it comes to maintaining healthy communication patterns and relationship satisfaction.
Some relationships are able to remain strong despite the challenges associated with deployment and lengthy separations. What are the main psychological factors that contribute to this resiliency?
One factor that contributes to military couple's relational resilience is their ability to communicate effectively while apart. Military couples who are effective communicators tend to have better relationships during deployments than those who struggle with it. These individuals make sure that they stay connected through email, phone calls, text messages, and social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, WhatsApp, etc. They also take advantage of technology to send each other videos and pictures so that they can feel more present even though they're thousands of miles away from one another. In addition, these couples try to schedule regular video chat sessions or phone calls where they can discuss important topics such as finances, parenting, household responsibilities, and plans for the future.
Another factor that helps military couples cope with separation anxiety is mutual support and understanding. Couples who support each other throughout the entire process often report higher levels of marital satisfaction compared to those who don't provide adequate emotional support. Spouses who understand their partner's struggles during deployment are more likely to offer encouragement and reassurance which can help alleviate stress levels significantly.
Sharing common interests such as hobbies or volunteering activities can also enhance the bond between partners by creating a sense of togetherness and teamwork even when they're apart physically.
Maintaining realistic expectations about the relationship is crucial for military couples seeking to build resilient connections. Both partners should be aware that the relationship will change due to distance but this doesn't mean it has to become less meaningful or fulfilling. It simply requires effort on both sides in order to ensure that each person feels appreciated, loved, and valued despite being separated by miles instead of inches. Military spouses must remember not to compare themselves to others since everyone experiences deployment differently depending on their individual circumstances. By setting reasonable goals for communication frequency and quality time together, they can better manage the challenges associated with long-term deployments without feeling overwhelmed or hopeless about their chances of success.
What psychological factors contribute to relational resilience among military couples during extended deployments?
Relational resilience is the ability of a couple to cope with stressful situations, particularly those related to deployment, separation, and reunification. Military couples are vulnerable to several psychological factors that can hinder their resilience and relationship. These include pre-deployment anxiety, post-deployment reintegration difficulties, communication problems, and role expectations.