There has been a growing body of research examining the mental health outcomes of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) service members who have experienced military combat.
Little is known about how these individuals' personal relationships may affect their resilience to the psychological impacts of war. Specifically, this study aimed to investigate the role of relational intimacy in buffering against the negative psychological effects of combat exposure among LGBT soldiers. The results revealed that having high levels of relational intimacy was associated with lower rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and suicidality after deployment, suggesting that strong social bonds can provide a protective effect against the mental health consequences of combat trauma.
To address this question, we recruited 100 LGBT veterans from various U.S. military branches who had deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. Participants were interviewed twice, once before and once after deployment, using semi-structured interviews focused on their experiences during combat and their current romantic relationships. We also collected data on participants' PTSD symptoms, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation using validated self-report measures.
The results indicated that higher levels of relational intimacy were significantly associated with lower rates of PTSD, depression, and suicidality after deployment. In addition, a mediation analysis showed that relational intimacy partially mediated the relationship between combat exposure and these mental health outcomes. That is, higher levels of relational intimacy appeared to buffer the negative psychological effects of combat exposure.
These findings have important implications for understanding how LGBT service members cope with the stresses of combat. Previous research has suggested that social support may be particularly important for this population due to the unique challenges they face in the military, such as discrimination and stigma related to their sexual orientation and gender identity. Relational intimacy appears to play an important role in providing emotional support and bolstering resilience in the face of adversity. Our study highlights the need for further research into the ways in which personal relationships can enhance the mental well-being of LGBT soldiers and other vulnerable groups.
How does relational intimacy function as a buffer against the psychological effects of combat exposure in LGBT soldiers?
Relational intimacy is essential for promoting positive psychological outcomes, such as reducing stress levels and improving well-being among LGBT soldiers exposed to combat. According to research findings, military members who experience greater intimacy with their partners tend to report lower rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues associated with trauma exposure during deployment.