Anticipating stress during operational deployments can cause changes to the way individuals behave when forming attachments. This change is due to the psychological responses that are triggered by these anticipatory events. Anticipation of stress has been shown to lead to increased levels of cortisol, which is a hormone associated with the fight or flight response. Higher levels of cortisol lead to an increase in energy, alertness, and motivation, but also result in decreased feelings of social connectedness and attachment. As a result, those who experience increased levels of cortisol during pre-deployment phases may be less likely to form strong emotional connections with their partners or family members prior to deployment. They may also engage in more risky behaviors, such as substance abuse or promiscuous behavior, in order to cope with the anxiety and uncertainty surrounding their upcoming deployment. In addition, they may become hypervigilant towards potential threats and suspicious of others' intentions, leading to difficulties establishing trust and intimacy.
The impact of anticipated stress on attachment behavior is further compounded by other factors, such as trauma history and personality type. Individuals who have experienced previous traumatic events, such as combat or sexual assault, may be especially sensitive to the effects of anticipatory stress and may develop heightened fear responses when deployed.
Certain personality types, such as those high in neuroticism or openness to new experiences, may find it difficult to regulate their emotions and therefore respond more strongly to stressful situations. These individuals may be particularly vulnerable to developing avoidant attachment patterns, where they seek out relationships that are low-maintenance and emotionally distant.
The anticipation of operational stress can significantly alter how people behave in interpersonal relationships. By understanding these changes, both military leaders and mental health professionals can better support service members and their families before, during, and after deployments.
In what ways does anticipation of operational stress alter attachment behaviors?
Anticipating an upcoming event may influence how individuals experience attachment behavior towards others. Theorists suggest that when someone is expecting to be separated from their loved ones, they might feel more attached to them due to heightened anxiety levels. This phenomenon could be explained by the activation of the autonomic nervous system, which prepares the body for survival by increasing heart rate and blood pressure.