What is Relational Suppression?
Relational suppression refers to the deliberate attempt to push away one's feelings, thoughts, and desires about relationships from conscious awareness. It involves avoiding thinking about relationships, suppressing emotions related to them, and refraining from expressing such emotions when they arise.
Cognitive Consequences of Relational Suppression
When people suppress their relationships, they may experience cognitive consequences that can impact their mental health. Some of these consequences include difficulty making decisions, problems solving problems, and impaired memory. This can be particularly detrimental for deployed personnel who need to make quick decisions under pressure.
Emotional Consequences of Relational Suppression
Suppressing relationships also has emotional consequences. People may feel isolated, lonely, anxious, depressed, angry, frustrated, or sad. They may struggle to form new relationships, maintain existing ones, and engage in intimacy. They may also experience distrust, low self-esteem, and lack of control over their lives. These feelings can negatively impact overall well-being and lead to further relationship issues.
Impact on Deployed Personnel
For deployed personnel, relational suppression can have a significant impact on performance and behavior. Those who are experiencing it may find it difficult to perform their duties effectively, as they may become preoccupied with personal matters instead of focusing on work. They may also engage in risky behaviors, such as substance abuse, gambling, or sexually promiscuous activity, which can compromise safety.
Tips for Addressing Relational Suppression
To address relational suppression, individuals should seek professional help, such as therapy or counseling. They should also practice self-care, such as mindfulness meditation, exercise, and healthy eating habits. They should also connect with friends and family members, take breaks from social media, and engage in activities that bring them joy and satisfaction.
What are the cognitive and emotional consequences of relational suppression in deployed personnel?
Relational suppression is defined as the deliberate avoidance or ignoring of one's personal needs for social connection and support during deployment (Brown et al. , 2019). Research has shown that this can have negative cognitive and emotional consequences on deployed individuals. In particular, it can lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and depression, which can impact their ability to function effectively while away from home.