Service members need to communicate their expectations, desires, and needs to each other through consistent interactions. Relational satisfaction occurs when both partners fulfill their individual responsibilities towards the relationship. When one partner is away for extended periods of time, it can create imbalances that affect the quality of the relationship. This study investigates how soldiers asses relational satisfaction when they experience absence, unpredictability, and limited opportunities to share experiences.
According to the research, service members who are deployed often report feeling disconnected from their spouses and partners, leading to feelings of frustration and loneliness. Some report feeling neglected or even cheated on due to the lack of physical contact and emotional support. The military's culture also promotes strict adherence to rules and regulations, which makes it difficult to maintain a healthy romantic relationship. Soldiers may have trouble expressing vulnerable emotions such as love, sadness, and jealousy due to fear of being perceived as weak or unfit for duty. These factors contribute to relationship strain and can cause resentment between partners.
The researchers found that communication was an important factor in maintaining relational satisfaction during deployment. Service members who could communicate their feelings openly with their partners were more likely to feel connected and satisfied. They used technology like email and text messaging to stay in touch and express themselves, but this wasn't always enough. Soldiers reported missing out on nonverbal cues like body language and facial expressions, making it harder to understand their partner's intentions and emotions.
Shared experiences, such as traveling together or attending family events, also play a role in relationship satisfaction. Military families face unique challenges that make it difficult to take trips or spend time together. Soldiers may be called away at any time, leaving partners feeling abandoned and alone.
Those who made efforts to plan activities before deployments reported feeling more satisfied when they returned.
Successful relationships require consistent interactions, honest communication, and shared experiences. When service members are deployed, these factors become more complex. Deployment requires compromise from both parties, and it's essential for soldiers to express their needs clearly to avoid misunderstandings. By working through the challenges of absence, soldiers can maintain healthy relationships despite the difficulties of military life.
How do service members assess relational satisfaction when presence, communication, and shared experiences are inconsistent?
"Service members may assess their level of relational satisfaction with others when there is an imbalance between how much time they spend together physically versus virtually, how well they can communicate with one another, and what activities they share during these interactions.