How do military couples navigate relational tension when trauma alters sexual desire, attachment, or emotional availability? Military service can cause significant psychological stressors that may negatively affect intimate relationships. In addition to the general pressures of warfare, combat troops face several unique challenges, such as sleep deprivation, isolation from family members, disruption of daily routines, exposure to violence and death, constant fear for personal safety, etc. These factors can result in anxiety, depression, guilt, shame, anger, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among those who serve. The effects of these mental health issues are often exacerbated by changes in physical functioning due to injury or illness caused by deployment. This paper explores how these problems impact the relationship between spouses/partners of military personnel and examines strategies to minimize the negative consequences on marital satisfaction and resilience.
The first section discusses the impact of PTSD on military marriages. PTSD is characterized by recurring flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, avoidance behaviors, social withdrawal, irritability, feelings of detachment, anger, and impulsivity. It typically results from experiencing a traumatic event and is classified into three types: intrusive memories, avoidance symptoms, and hyperarousal symptoms. According to research studies, military members with PTSD have higher rates of divorce than their non-military counterparts.
One study found that 47% of female veterans experienced marital dissolution within five years after returning home compared to 35% of male veterans source.
The second part focuses on sexual dysfunction in military couples. PTSD may cause low libido, erectile dysfunction, decreased arousal, and difficulty orgasming in men; and vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, and loss of interest in sex in women. These problems can negatively affect intimacy and lead to resentment, frustration, guilt, and shame. To address this issue, therapists often recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps couples identify negative thoughts about themselves or their partner's sexual performance and replace them with positive ones. CBT can also help couples improve communication skills to reduce conflicts over sex and other issues.
The third section discusses attachment difficulties in military relationships. Deployment separations create anxiety and insecurity among partners who fear their loved one's safety while they are away. In addition, frequent moves and relocations due to military assignments make it challenging for spouses/partners to establish stable friendships and social networks, which can further undermine relationship security. Some studies suggest that partners with an anxious attachment style may experience greater distress during deployment than those with a secure attachment style. Couples counseling can help partners develop more secure attachments by increasing emotional availability, reducing intrusive thoughts, and exploring new ways to express affection.
The fourth section highlights strategies to promote marital satisfaction in military families. Several factors can contribute to successful military marriages, including mutual respect, open communication, financial stability, and shared parenting responsibilities.
Some researchers have found that service members with higher education levels tend to report higher marital satisfaction than those without college degrees source. Military spouses should take care of themselves through exercise, relaxation techniques, healthy eating, and adequate sleep to manage stress and enhance overall well-being. They should also seek out support groups or therapy if necessary to address any mental health concerns such as depression or PTSD symptoms.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can prevent medical problems that affect sexual functioning, such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and obesity.
This paper has discussed how military couples navigate relational tensions when trauma alters sexual desire, attachment, or emotional availability. PTSD, sexual dysfunction, and attachment difficulties are common among military personnel and their spouses/partners. Cognitive behavioral therapy, couple's counseling, self-care practices, and financial stability can all promote marital resilience and satisfaction despite these challenges. By implementing these strategies, military couples can strengthen their relationships and overcome the obstacles posed by warfare.
How do military couples navigate relational tension when trauma alters sexual desire, attachment, or emotional availability?
Military couples often face unique challenges that can impact their relationship, including navigating tension around intimacy and communication. When trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), affects one partner's ability to express themselves sexually or emotionally, it can create strain on the couple's bond. PTSD may make one partner feel unsafe, which can lead them to withdraw or become distant from the other.