The emotional impact of extended military deployments can be significant for both parties involved, especially when it comes to maintaining a healthy and fulfilling relationship. This is true for all types of relationships, but particularly for those between military partners. When one partner is deployed, they are often away from their loved ones for long periods of time, which can put strain on the relationship. One of the most difficult aspects of this separation is the loss of physical intimacy and closeness that comes with being apart. For couples who rely on regular communication and connection to stay connected, the lack of contact can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
One study found that among military couples, deployment has a negative effect on both emotional and sexual satisfaction. The longer the deployment lasted, the greater the drop in happiness reported by both partners. The study also found that while there was no difference in levels of commitment or trust between couples before and after deployment, there were differences in how satisfied they were with each other's behavior and level of support.
This research suggests that prolonged separations due to operational deployments can have an impact on both the emotional and physical aspects of a couple's relationship. During deployments, couples may find themselves relying more heavily on technology to communicate and stay connected. While this can help bridge some of the gap, it cannot replace the physical touch and intimacy that comes with being together in person.
Because service members may face unique stressors such as trauma and PTSD during deployments, they may experience difficulty connecting emotionally with their partners even when they return home.
For many military couples, maintaining healthy levels of intimacy requires effort and intentionality. It may involve scheduling regular video calls or Skype sessions, planning trips and vacations where possible, and finding ways to be creative with your sex life even from afar. If you are experiencing difficulties with emotional or sexual intimacy due to extended periods of separation, consider seeking out professional counseling to help you work through any underlying issues or challenges.
How do prolonged periods of operational deployment influence the emotional intimacy and sexual satisfaction of military couples?
Research suggests that prolonged periods of operational deployment can have significant effects on the emotional intimacy and sexual satisfaction of military couples. Deployment can cause stress and strain on relationships, leading to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and disconnection. Additionally, the separation from one's partner during deployment can lead to changes in sex drive and physical intimacy.