The impact of emotional regulation on soldiers' behavior has been extensively researched due to its potential implications for military operations and personal wellbeing.
Little attention has been paid to how soldiers perceive this concept within their unique contexts. This article provides an insight into how soldiers view the importance of emotional regulation in both operational and relational settings.
Operational Context
In operational settings, soldiers are expected to remain calm, controlled, and focused while facing various stressors such as combat, high physical demands, fear of death, and separation from loved ones. Emotional regulation is crucial in helping them manage these challenges effectively. Soldiers recognize that suppressing negative emotions can enhance their ability to think critically under pressure, making better decisions, and performing tasks efficiently. They also acknowledge that emotional suppression reduces distractions and helps maintain focus during missions.
They believe that expressing positive emotions such as excitement or pride can improve team cohesion, morale, and motivation. Some even argue that displaying anger or frustration may harm mission success by jeopardizing communication and trust between comrades. These views suggest a nuanced understanding of how emotional regulation can benefit soldiers' performance in dangerous situations.
Relational Context
Soldiers often experience intense emotional bonds with comrades who share similar experiences and values, but these relationships can be strained by disagreements, competition, or conflict. Emotional regulation plays a significant role here as it enables soldiers to control their reactions and communicate effectively.
Some soldiers might avoid displays of affection or vulnerability out of fear of being judged for breaking traditional masculine norms. Others prioritize openness, honesty, and empathy when communicating with their partners, leading to healthier relationships.
Some report struggling with emotional regulation due to social norms and stigmas around expressing feelings, which can cause relationship issues.
Soldiers view emotional regulation as an essential skill for both operational and relational contexts, emphasizing its importance in preserving personal wellbeing, unit cohesion, and mission success.
How do soldiers perceive the role of emotional regulation as a protective factor in both operational and relational contexts?
Soldiers view emotional regulation as a critical protective factor in both operational and relational contexts. In the operational context, managing one's emotions helps individuals control their actions under stressful situations, which can lead to better decision-making skills and enhanced performance during combat operations. Additionally, effective emotion regulation strategies are essential for maintaining focus and concentration on tasks that require cognitive effort (e. g. , navigation, target acquisition).