Romantic relationships have been shown to provide various benefits for individuals' physical and mental health.
It is less clear whether these benefits extend to military service members who experience the stressors of deployment. Deployment can be particularly challenging due to separation from loved ones, increased risk of trauma exposure, and heightened anxiety about returning home safely. Therefore, researchers have investigated how romantic bonds may influence the psychological impacts of deployment. This essay will explore the ways in which romantic bonds can buffer against some of the negative effects of deployment.
The first way that romantic bonds can buffer against the psychological effects of deployment is through emotional support. When service members are away from their partners, they rely on them for emotional support. This can take many forms, such as providing reassurance, offering advice, and listening to concerns. Emotional support has been found to reduce feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety during deployment (Campbell et al., 2019). In fact, one study showed that couples who provided more emotional support to each other had lower levels of PTSD symptoms after deployment than those who did not (Woodall et al., 2021). Moreover, receiving frequent communication and displays of affection from a partner can help maintain a sense of connection and belongingness during deployment (Kurki & Lehtonen, 2018; Sutker et al., 2015).
Another way that romantic bonds can buffer against the psychological effects of deployment is through shared experiences. When service members return home, they often struggle to readjust to civilian life.
Having a partner who understands their military experience can make this transition easier. Couples can share stories and reflect on their deployments together, helping both individuals process their experiences and build resilience (Bachmann et al., 2020). Research suggests that sharing these experiences may also improve relationship quality and satisfaction (Marchand et al., 2020).
Some studies have shown that partners who were supportive during deployment experienced less post-deployment conflict (Hannah & Cohn, 2020).
Romantic bonds can buffer against the psychological effects of deployment by providing a sense of purpose and meaning. Service members may feel disconnected from their civilian lives while deployed, as they are separated from family, friends, and work. A romantic partner can provide a sense of continuity and stability in an otherwise unstable situation. This can be especially important for couples with young children, who rely on parents for emotional regulation and guidance (Gerber et al., 2021). Moreover, being in a committed relationship may provide a sense of identity and direction that can help individuals cope with stressors associated with military service (Dunifon & Bumpass, 2008).
Research has shown that romantic relationships can play a critical role in buffering against the negative impacts of deployment. Emotional support, shared experiences, and a sense of purpose and meaning all contribute to this effect. These benefits suggest that maintaining strong romantic bonds throughout deployment can help promote physical and mental health for service members.
More research is needed to better understand how specific types of interactions between partners influence these outcomes. Nonetheless, it is clear that romantic bonds are an essential component of military life and should be prioritized for the wellbeing of both service members and their families.
In what ways do romantic bonds buffer against psychological effects of deployment?
Romantic relationships have been shown to provide support for military families during times of deployment by mitigating some of the negative impacts on mental health that can arise from extended separation. These bonds can serve as a source of comfort and stability, helping individuals cope with feelings of anxiety, stress, and loneliness associated with deployment.