Deployed Military Couples and Sexual Dissatisfaction
According to a study conducted in 2019, deployed military couples often experience high levels of sexual dissatisfaction due to various reasons, such as the absence of their partner during deployment, limited communication, and stressful living conditions. The same study also found that deployments can lead to increased tension between partners, resulting in conflicts. These factors are not surprising considering the unique challenges faced by military families, including long separations from one another, constant moves, and unpredictable schedules. In addition, researchers have discovered that physical distance is a significant factor predicting sexual dissatisfaction among military couples. When one partner is away for an extended period, it's natural for intimate connections to suffer. This is because there are no opportunities to touch, hold hands, or cuddle together, which are essential elements of any healthy relationship.
When one spouse is away for months at a time, they may feel disconnected from their partner, leading to feelings of resentment and anger upon return. Another issue affecting sexual satisfaction is the lack of trust between partners. Due to the nature of military service, secrecy is often necessary, making it difficult for both parties to share their thoughts and emotions openly. As a result, couples may struggle with communication, leading to misunderstandings and misinterpretations. Moreover, some individuals find it hard to be faithful while their partner is away, increasing the likelihood of infidelity.
Factors Predicting Sexual Dissatisfaction Among Deployed Military Couples
The factors contributing to sexual dissatisfaction among deployed military couples include:
1. Absent Partner: The absence of one partner during deployment creates a void that makes intimacy challenging. Without regular contact, it becomes harder to maintain a strong connection, leading to sexual frustration.
2. Limited Communication: Long-distance relationships require more effort than those where the partners live in close proximity. A lack of communication can lead to misunderstandings, resentments, and other negative emotions, which further complicates matters.
3. Stressful Living Conditions: Living under stress can impact sexual desire and arousal. Research has shown that deployments can cause high levels of anxiety, depression, and fear, all of which can negatively impact physical attraction.
4. Physical Distance: Being apart physically for extended periods causes couples to miss out on physical intimacy, such as kisses, hugs, and cuddles. This lack of touch can erode feelings of closeness over time.
5. Lack of Trust: When one spouse is away for months at a time, they may feel disconnected from their partner, making them less trusting when reunited. This distrust can create tension between the couple, resulting in conflict.
6. Infidelity: Some individuals find it hard to be faithful while their partner is away, increasing the likelihood of infidelity. This can damage the relationship even after deployment.
Deployed military couples face unique challenges that impact their sexual satisfaction and relational conflicts. Understanding these factors is crucial for improving relationships and reducing the risk of divorce or separation. The most important thing is communication, both during deployment and upon return. Couples should strive to keep the lines open, discuss their thoughts and feelings honestly, and work together towards finding solutions.
Seeking professional help if needed can help alleviate problems caused by trauma or mental health issues. By taking steps to improve communication and intimacy, deployed military couples can enjoy a happy and fulfilling marriage despite the difficulties of service life.
What factors predict sexual dissatisfaction or relational conflict among deployed military couples?
One of the most significant factors that can lead to sexual dissatisfaction and relationship conflicts among military couples is deployment-related stressors. Deployment is a highly stressful event for both spouses as they may experience separation anxiety, loneliness, and uncertainty about their partner's safety during this time. The increased workload associated with deployments can also create tension between partners who must take on additional responsibilities at home while dealing with the emotional strain of being apart.