When soldiers are deployed to war zones or deployed for an extended period of time, they often experience feelings of sadness, loneliness, anxiety, and fear. These emotions can be exacerbated when their partner or family members are left behind. To cope with these feelings, many soldiers develop adaptive relational schemas, which allow them to maintain healthy relationships despite long periods of separation. This process involves redefining one's expectations of closeness, trust, commitment, and intimacy, as well as adjusting to new social norms and patterns of communication. In this article, we will explore how soldiers develop adaptive relational schemas and what strategies they employ to deal with separation.
Soldiers who have been deployed multiple times often report feeling like outsiders when returning home, as they have become accustomed to a different way of life and developed a unique set of skills. They may feel disconnected from their partners and family members, and struggle to communicate effectively about their experiences abroad.
Many soldiers also recognize that this is part of the job and accept it as normal. As a result, they may adopt an attitude of detachment, viewing themselves as separate from their civilian lives and prioritizing their military duties above all else. This approach allows them to maintain emotional distance and avoid feeling vulnerable or exposed.
To maintain positive relationships despite frequent deployment, soldiers often engage in active communication and make time for regular check-ins with loved ones. They may also use technology to stay connected, such as video chatting or sending letters and emails. Some soldiers even establish rituals, such as sharing daily activities or celebrating special occasions together, that help create a sense of continuity across distances. By creating these routines, soldiers can feel more grounded and secure in their relationships, even when they are apart.
In addition to communication and routine, soldiers may also practice self-care to cope with separation. This could involve exercise, meditation, or other forms of relaxation. Many soldiers find solace in hobbies, such as writing, painting, or reading. Others seek support from friends and fellow service members who understand their experience.
Some soldiers develop coping mechanisms for specific situations, such as dealing with grief or trauma associated with combat. These strategies allow soldiers to process difficult emotions and reframe negative experiences into something positive.
Soldiers' adaptive relational schemas reflect both personal and cultural factors. Individuals may be shaped by past experiences, personality traits, and family dynamics, while larger societal norms may impact how people perceive and express intimacy.
The development of these schemas is a necessary part of life in the military, allowing soldiers to maintain healthy relationships and build resilience in the face of adversity.
How do soldiers develop adaptive relational schemas to cope with repeated deployment and separation?
Soldiers often develop adaptive relational schemas that enable them to manage their feelings of loneliness, separation anxiety, fear, and worry during deployments due to family members' reactions to their departures. These coping mechanisms can be shaped by previous experiences, cultural factors such as familial values, social support from peers, military training, and personal beliefs about relationships and commitment.