Institutional culture is the set of shared beliefs, values, norms, and practices that characterize an organization or group. It shapes how individuals within the organization interact, communicate, and make decisions. In this article, we will explore how institutional culture influences the ways in which service members seek and provide emotional support to each other.
The military has a unique culture that sets it apart from civilian life. Service members are expected to adhere to strict rules and regulations, and they must be able to work together effectively under pressure. This can create a challenging environment for expressing emotions openly. As a result, many service members may avoid discussing their feelings or seeking emotional support from others due to fear of being seen as weak or vulnerable.
Emotional support is crucial for maintaining mental health and well-being during deployment or stressful situations.
One way that institutional culture shapes emotional support is through the language used. Service members may use jargon or acronyms that are specific to the military to describe their experiences.
They may refer to traumatic events using terms like "battle buddy" or "combat trauma." While these terms have become commonplace in the military community, they can be confusing for those outside the institution. This can make it difficult for service members to find empathy and understanding from civilians who do not share their cultural knowledge.
Another aspect of institutional culture is hierarchy. Rank plays a significant role in the military, with subordinates deferring to superiors in decision-making and communication. This can make it challenging for service members to express vulnerability or ask for help without feeling like they are disrespecting authority figures. As a result, some may rely on more informal channels for emotional support, such as friends within their unit.
Institutional culture also shapes the ways in which service members seek and provide emotional support through rituals and traditions.
Some units may have a tradition of sharing stories after deployments or gatherings where they recount shared experiences. These rituals create a sense of belonging and camaraderie that makes it easier for individuals to open up about their feelings.
Institutional culture significantly impacts how service members discuss, seek, and provide emotional support. It can create barriers to open communication, but it also provides opportunities for connection and support. By recognizing and respecting the unique culture of the military, we can better understand the needs of service members and offer them the support they need to thrive both personally and professionally.
How does institutional culture shape the ways in which service members discuss, seek, and provide emotional support?
Institutional culture can have significant influence on how soldiers discuss, seek, and offer emotional support. One study found that soldiers tend to rely on social media as their primary source of emotional support when they are away from home for an extended period (Petersen et al. , 2016).