Soldiers face challenges reconciling their personal emotions with institutional demands for professionalism and stoicism because they are expected to suppress their feelings in order to maintain discipline and focus on completing missions.
Repressing emotions can lead to stress and psychological distress that may interfere with performance. Therefore, some military organizations have implemented programs to promote mental health awareness and support soldiers' emotional expression while upholding standards of behavior. These include group therapy sessions, individual counseling, and peer mentoring.
Some military members may struggle with expressing themselves due to cultural norms around masculinity and gender roles. They may feel pressure to conform to traditional expectations of toughness and resilience, which can make it difficult to seek help or open up about their emotions.
Fear of negative repercussions like stigma, judgment, or career impacts can discourage soldiers from seeking mental health treatment.
Programs that encourage emotional expression aim to create a culture where soldiers feel comfortable sharing their experiences without fear of retaliation or judgement. This includes creating spaces for reflection and dialogue and promoting self-awareness and empathy among peers. Some also emphasize mindfulness practices and stress management techniques to reduce anxiety and improve coping skills.
Despite these efforts, however, there is still a tension between personal expression and institutional expectations. While military organizations recognize the importance of supporting soldiers' emotional well-being, they must balance this with the need to maintain discipline and readiness. This means that soldiers may be hesitant to fully express themselves, even in safe settings, out of concern for how it will be perceived by superiors or other service members.
Reconciling the need for personal emotional expression with professionalism requires a nuanced approach that considers both individual needs and organizational requirements. By promoting mental health awareness and providing opportunities for emotional support, military organizations can create an environment where soldiers feel heard and supported while still meeting institutional demands.
How do soldiers reconcile the need for personal emotional expression with institutional expectations of stoicism and professionalism?
Soldiers often experience complex emotions while serving their country. While they may feel pride and patriotism for their service, they also deal with feelings of fear and anxiety about the danger they face. The military has traditionally emphasized stoicism and professionalism as values that should guide behavior, which can make it difficult for soldiers to express their emotions openly.