The article is about the impact that witnessing trauma in peers can have on soldiers' ability to engage emotionally with their intimate partners. Specifically, it will explore how exposure to violence and trauma in combat settings may alter a soldier's perception of what constitutes acceptable behavior in an intimate relationship, leading them to be more likely to display aggressive or abusive behaviors towards their partner. It will also examine how this type of trauma may lead to difficulty forming trust and emotional connection with others, making it difficult for soldiers to maintain healthy romantic relationships. The article will further discuss how the stress caused by experiencing or witnessing trauma can affect cognitive functioning and interpersonal communication skills, which can make it harder for soldiers to express themselves emotionally and connect with their partners.
The article will explore potential strategies for helping soldiers cope with these issues and improve their ability to form healthy romantic bonds.
When soldiers experience or witness traumatic events while serving in combat, they may develop a heightened sense of vigilance and hyperarousal, which can impair their ability to regulate their emotions and behave appropriately in social situations (Friedman & Resick, 2017). This hyperarousal can manifest as increased irritability, anxiety, and anger, all of which can negatively impact their interactions with intimate partners (Tanielian & Jaycox, 2013).
Veterans who have been exposed to trauma are more likely than non-veterans to engage in verbally or physically abusive behavior toward their partner (Kimerling et al., 2008). They may also struggle to express themselves emotionally, leading to feelings of disconnection from their partner (Gardner et al., 2017). These behaviors can create tension and conflict in the relationship, further damaging the bond between the soldier and their partner.
In addition to altered perceptions of acceptable behavior, exposure to violence and trauma during military service can lead to difficulty forming trust and emotional connection with others (Norris et al., 2012). This is because trauma can damage the brain's ability to process social cues and understand other people's intentions (Veterans Affairs/Department of Defense, 2017), making it harder for soldiers to feel safe enough to open up emotionally. As a result, they may avoid close relationships altogether or become suspicious and distrustful of those around them, including their romantic partners. These issues can make it challenging for soldiers to build a strong foundation of intimacy and mutual support with their partners.
The stress caused by experiencing or witnessing trauma can impair cognitive functioning and interpersonal communication skills, making it difficult for soldiers to express themselves emotionally and connect with their partners (Kimerling et al., 2008).
Veterans who have been exposed to combat-related trauma are more likely to experience symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) such as flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance, which can be triggered by seemingly benign interactions with loved ones (Tanielian & Jaycox, 2013). These symptoms can disrupt everyday life, making it hard for soldiers to maintain stable relationships.
There are strategies that can help soldiers cope with these issues and improve their ability to form healthy romantic bonds. Couples therapy, where both members of the relationship work together to address the impact of military service on the relationship, has been shown to be effective in improving communication and reducing conflict between partners (Gardner et al., 2017).
Mindfulness meditation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises and guided imagery, can help reduce anxiety and improve emotional regulation (Hill et al., 2015).
Seeking social support from other veterans and engaging in activities outside of the relationship can provide a sense of community and purpose, helping to mitigate some of the negative effects of combat exposure (Booth et al., 2016).
How does witnessing trauma in peers affect soldiers' capacity to engage emotionally with intimate partners?
Witnessing traumatic events can have long-lasting effects on individuals' mental health, which can negatively impact their ability to form and maintain meaningful relationships. In particular, soldiers who experience combat-related trauma may find it difficult to connect emotionally with romantic partners due to feelings of fear, anxiety, guilt, and shame that are triggered by memories of war.