The purpose of this essay is to explore how combat exposure can affect an individual's sexual confidence and relational self-esteem. It is well-established that traumatic experiences such as military combat can negatively impact individuals' psychological health, including their sense of self-worth and ability to form meaningful connections with others.
There is limited research examining how specific trauma-related factors contribute to these outcomes in relation to sexuality and intimacy. This essay will explore this issue using empirical evidence from various studies, providing insights into the link between combat exposure, sexuality, and self-esteem.
In one study, veterans who had experienced combat were compared to non-veteran controls regarding their levels of sexual functioning and overall satisfaction with their sex lives. The results revealed that former soldiers reported lower levels of sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, pleasure, and overall sexual satisfaction than their civilian counterparts (Bradbury-Jones & Wattis, 2014). This finding suggests that combat exposure may have a negative impact on individuals' sexual desires and functions, potentially leading to decreased self-confidence and intimacy with romantic partners.
Another study investigated the relationship between combat exposure and relational self-esteem among male veterans. Participants completed questionnaires assessing their levels of PTSD symptoms, social support, and relational self-esteem. Results indicated that higher levels of combat exposure were associated with increased PTSD symptomatology and lower relational self-esteem (Elsass et al., 2016). These findings suggest that combat exposure may undermine an individual's sense of worth as a person, which could also extend to their ability to form healthy relationships.
Studies have also explored the role of gender in this relationship, with mixed findings. While some research has suggested that women are more likely to experience sexual dysfunction after combat exposure (Parker & Shipherd, 2008), other studies have found no significant differences between genders (DeWall et al., 2013). Further research is needed to understand how gender may moderate these effects.
There is evidence suggesting that combat exposure can negatively impact individuals' sexual confidence and relational self-esteem. More research is needed to further investigate these mechanisms, particularly examining the role of gender and social factors such as social support. Understanding these effects is critical for developing effective interventions to promote resilience and well-being among military personnel and veterans.
How does combat exposure influence sexual confidence and relational self-esteem?
Exposure to war can have a profound impact on an individual's sexual confidence and relational self-esteem. Soldiers who have experienced traumatic events during their service may find it difficult to connect with others emotionally, leading to feelings of isolation and disconnection. This can lead to difficulties forming healthy relationships and intimacy, which in turn affects one's sense of self-worth and worthiness.