The emotional exhaustion of repeatedly going to war can have an impact on how soldiers perceive their future relationship prospects. This has been documented in numerous studies that focus on the psychological effects of being in combat and the traumas associated with it. It is also known as burnout, compassion fatigue, secondary post-traumatic stress disorder, or moral injury. The phenomenon was first described by Dr. Herbert Freudenberger in 1974, who noted that professionals such as social workers, nurses, doctors, firefighters, police officers, military personnel, clergy members, and others who are continually exposed to human suffering can experience "compassion fatigue." This occurs when individuals become emotionally exhausted from caring for those around them and feeling helpless about their ability to help others. It may lead to increased anxiety, irritability, detachment, cynicism, and reduced feelings of accomplishment. In soldiers' case, it is called 'emotional fatigue.'
A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that soldiers who had experienced multiple deployments were more likely to prioritize short-term relationships than long-term ones due to fear of losing their partner if they died or got injured while deployed again. They also reported lower levels of trust in others and felt that it was safer not to get too close to anyone. The researchers concluded that repeated deployments could cause soldiers to develop a skeptical attitude towards intimate relationships, believing that no one would be there for them in the end anyway. Another study showed that soldiers who suffered emotional exhaustion after deployment tended to have more difficulty forming close bonds with family members, friends, and romantic partners because they feared being hurt or abandoned. Emotional exhaustion can also lead soldiers to seek out more casual sexual encounters instead of committing to meaningful relationships. The result is a pattern of avoidance behavior that makes it difficult for them to maintain healthy relationships over time.
Emotional exhaustion can negatively impact soldiers' communication skills and make them less receptive to feedback from their loved ones. They may withdraw from social interactions and avoid talking about their experiences, which can create distance between themselves and those closest to them. This can further reinforce negative attitudes towards intimacy and increase feelings of isolation.
Studies suggest that emotional exhaustion can have a profound effect on how soldiers view future relationships and the risks involved. These findings highlight the importance of providing adequate support for returning veterans as well as education on the potential challenges associated with multiple deployments.
How does the emotional fatigue of repeated deployments influence soldiers' long-term relational goals?
While deployed, soldiers experience high levels of stress that are not only physical but also mental and emotional. This has been shown to affect their behavior both while on duty and when they return home. Repeated deployment can lead to emotional exhaustion which is characterized by feelings of depression, anxiety, guilt, and anger.