Exposure to Mortality and Prioritization of Relationships
When it comes to understanding how veterans prioritize their relationships, researchers have found that those who have experienced traumatic events are more likely to place a greater emphasis on building and maintaining strong emotional connections than civilians who haven't. This phenomenon is often referred to as "mortality salience," which refers to an individual's awareness of their own mortality and the fact that life can be taken away unexpectedly. In this article, I will explore the ways in which exposure to mortality affects veterans' prioritization of relational and sexual connection and provide examples from literature to support these findings.
According to psychologist Sheldon Solomon, when people feel threatened by death, they tend to engage in behaviors that help them connect with others, such as seeking out companionship or expressing affection. This is because humans have an innate desire to connect with one another, and a sense of isolation can make them feel even more vulnerable.
In his book "Terror Management Theory" (2018), he cites studies showing that individuals who were reminded of their mortality tended to value intimacy more highly after being asked to write about it compared to those who weren't reminded. Similarly, in a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, participants who wrote about their own mortality were more likely to choose to spend time with friends than those who didn't.
Exposure to mortality has been linked to increased sexual desire among both men and women.
In a study conducted by researchers at the University of California-Davis, participants who had been made aware of their own mortality reported higher levels of sexual desire than those who hadn't. The authors suggest that this may be due to the fact that sex provides a temporary relief from anxiety and serves as a form of distraction from existential concerns.
Veterans who have experienced traumatic events may place a greater emphasis on building strong relationships as a way of coping with their experiences. In her article, "Sexuality and Intimacy Following Trauma," psychologist Martha Sajatovic notes that many veterans report feeling disconnected from loved ones after returning home from war, which can lead them to seek out new connections or focus more intensely on existing ones. She also points out that these feelings of isolation can make it difficult for veterans to engage in healthy sexual activities, as they often feel like they are doing so in order to cope rather than because they want to.
There is evidence to suggest that exposure to mortality affects veterans' prioritization of relational and sexual connection. By understanding how these factors influence behavior, we can better support our service members as they navigate the challenges of life after combat.
In what ways does exposure to mortality affect veterans' prioritization of relational and sexual connection?
Mortality is often a difficult topic for many people to consider. It can be even more challenging for those who have experienced trauma, such as military service members who may have witnessed death during combat. One study found that veterans who had been exposed to combat were more likely to report feeling helpless and hopeless about their future.