Differences in coping styles between partners can have significant effects on intimacy and conflict resolution during military deployments. This occurs because different coping strategies may lead to different levels of anxiety, stress, and emotional regulation which can impact communication and understanding between partners.
If one partner has a high level of anxiety about the deployment, they may become more distant and less open to their partner's needs or concerns. On the other hand, a partner who is able to cope well with the deployment may be more open to communication and better able to resolve conflicts that arise.
One study found that couples with similar coping styles were more likely to report higher levels of marital satisfaction during deployments than those with dissimilar coping styles. Partners who used emotion-focused coping strategies such as talking through their feelings or seeking social support had higher levels of relationship quality compared to those who used problem-focused coping strategies like avoidance or distraction.
Couples where both partners employed similar coping styles reported greater intimacy and fewer conflicts.
In another study, researchers examined how differences in coping styles affected relationship outcomes for female service members deployed to Afghanistan. They found that women who used active coping strategies (such as planning ahead and staying connected) had better mental health outcomes compared to those who used passive coping strategies (such as denial or avoidance). Women who adopted an optimistic mindset also experienced better mental health outcomes than those who did not. These findings suggest that women who are able to engage in positive and constructive coping behaviors have better relationships and mental health even during times of military deployment.
It is important for partners to understand each other's coping styles and to work together to develop effective coping strategies that support intimacy and conflict resolution. This requires ongoing communication and mutual understanding about emotional needs and concerns, as well as a willingness to compromise and adapt to changing circumstances. By doing so, couples can maintain strong and fulfilling relationships even when faced with the challenges of military deployment.
How do differences in coping styles between partners influence intimacy and conflict resolution during deployments?
The ability of couples to maintain healthy relationships despite military deployment can be affected by how they cope with stressful situations. Differences in coping styles may impact the level of intimacy and conflict resolution experienced by partners during deployments. Individuals who rely on negative coping mechanisms such as avoidance or suppression of feelings tend to experience decreased levels of closeness and trust with their partner (Wolfe et al. , 2016).