The physical and mental health effects of combat can be devastating for many military personnel.
It has been found that those who experience higher levels of emotional closeness during deployment are better able to cope with these negative consequences. This is because emotional closeness provides support, comfort, and a sense of belonging, all of which can help buffer against the damaging effects of war. Specifically, emotional closeness can reduce feelings of isolation, promote resilience, enhance communication skills, and provide a shared understanding between soldiers and their loved ones back home. In this way, emotional closeness becomes a vital component of effective psychological treatment for combat veterans and plays an important role in maintaining overall wellbeing.
One study conducted among US Marines found that emotional closeness was associated with greater resilience to stressful events experienced during deployment. The researchers assessed emotional closeness using measures such as self-reported feelings of intimacy and trust with fellow soldiers. They then compared these scores to the soldiers' reactions to stressful situations, such as enemy fire or close calls with explosives. Those who reported higher levels of emotional closeness were less likely to exhibit physiological signs of stress, suggesting that they had better coping mechanisms for dealing with difficult circumstances.
Another study conducted among Israeli soldiers suggested that emotional closeness may also play a role in reducing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a common condition that can develop after exposure to traumatic events like combat and is characterized by intrusive memories, avoidance behaviors, hypervigilance, and negative thoughts about oneself or the world. Researchers found that soldiers who felt more emotionally connected to their unit members were less likely to experience PTSD symptoms following combat than those who did not feel as close. This suggests that emotional closeness provides a sense of safety and security that helps buffer against the psychological effects of war.
In addition to helping prevent PTSD, emotional closeness has been shown to improve communication between soldiers and their loved ones back home. Soldiers who report feeling closer to their families tend to be more open about their experiences and share more information, which can help them process their emotions and seek support. Conversely, soldiers who do not feel emotionally connected may bottle up their feelings or have difficulty talking about what happened during deployment. This can lead to isolation and worsen existing mental health problems. By fostering emotional closeness both within units and at home, soldiers are better equipped to cope with the challenges of military life.
Emotional closeness plays an important role in promoting psychological wellbeing among military personnel. It can provide a sense of belonging, enhance resilience, and improve communication skills. By cultivating strong relationships with fellow soldiers and loved ones, individuals can build a network of support that helps them cope with the rigors of war and maintain positive mental health.
Emotional closeness is just one component of effective treatment for combat trauma; other interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and medications may also be necessary depending on individual needs.
In what ways does emotional closeness buffer against the psychological effects of combat trauma?
Emotional closeness can serve as a protective factor for individuals exposed to traumatic events during military service. According to research, soldiers who have close bonds with their comrades may be less likely to experience severe symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other forms of mental distress after returning from combat (Bradley et al. , 2016).