Coercion refers to the act of forcing someone to do something against their will, either through physical force or threats of violence. It can take many forms, including verbal abuse, emotional manipulation, financial exploitation, and even sexual assault. Coercion is often used in military settings, where it can have significant psychological and behavioral consequences for soldiers. This paper examines how coercion affects soldiers' mental health and their ability to form meaningful relationships.
One of the most immediate effects of coercion is trauma. Soldiers who are subjected to coercion may experience flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These symptoms can persist long after the coercive event has ended, making it difficult for them to function normally and interfering with their daily lives.
Victims of coercion may be more likely to engage in self-destructive behaviors such as substance abuse, which can further exacerbate their mental health issues.
Coercion also impacts soldiers' ability to form intimate relationships. Victims may become hypervigilant, always watching for signs that they could be forced into another situation of coercion. They may withdraw from social situations or develop trust issues that make it difficult to form close bonds with others. Their emotions may become unstable, leading to mood swings and outbursts that can damage their relationship with partners, friends, and family members. In extreme cases, victims may develop paranoia, believing that everyone around them is a potential threat.
The psychosexual consequences of coercion are particularly severe. Many soldiers who experience coercion report difficulties with arousal, orgasm, and sexual pleasure, leading to a reduced quality of life. They may feel shame, guilt, and embarrassment about their experiences, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Some may even avoid sexual encounters altogether, fearing that they will not be able to perform or meet their partner's expectations. Others may seek out risky behaviors such as promiscuity or casual sex, hoping to find a sense of validation or escape from their trauma.
In terms of relational functioning, coerced soldiers often struggle to maintain stable, long-term relationships. They may have difficulty communicating openly and honestly with partners about their needs and desires, which can lead to misunderstandings and resentments. They may also have trouble connecting emotionally, feeling disconnected from those around them. Coerced soldiers may have difficulty trusting others, even in non-sexual contexts, leading to problems with intimacy and vulnerability.
To address these issues, military organizations must focus on preventing and responding to instances of coercion. This includes providing mental health services to victims and creating a culture where soldiers feel safe reporting incidents without fear of retribution. It also means educating soldiers about the signs of coercion and empowering them to recognize and avoid it. By taking these steps, we can help soldiers overcome the psychological and behavioral consequences of coercion and build healthy, fulfilling lives.
What are the psychosexual consequences of coercion on mental health and relational functioning in soldiers?
Coercive military environments, where individuals may be forced into actions that violate their moral and ethical beliefs, can have severe psychosexual consequences on their mental health and relational functioning.