The act of watching someone die or suffer an injury can have a significant impact on a person's mental health and behavior. Witnessing such trauma has been found to increase feelings of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and psychological distress. It is also believed that these experiences can negatively affect a person's ability to form relationships and make decisions. This paper will explore how witnessing the death or injury of comrades influences trust and relational decision-making.
Trust and Relationships
Trust is a crucial component of any relationship. When individuals are able to rely on each other, they build a bond based on mutual respect, honesty, and open communication.
When trust is broken, it can be difficult to rebuild, especially if there are doubts about the partner's intentions or actions. In addition, fear and mistrust can lead to isolation, withdrawal from social activities, and loneliness. According to research, soldiers who witnessed the death or injury of their comrades in combat situations reported increased levels of mistrust towards their fellow troops, which affected their ability to communicate effectively and cooperate during missions. The same was true for civilians who experienced traumatic events, such as natural disasters or terrorist attacks. Such experiences often resulted in feelings of betrayal, suspicion, and insecurity, leading to difficulty forming close bonds with others.
Decision-Making
Decision-making is another area where witnessing the death or injury of comrades can have an impact. Individuals may become more cautious and risk-averse due to fear of similar outcomes occurring again. They may also seek safety by avoiding risky situations or people.
Veterans who witnessed casualties during deployment were less likely to take risks while returning home and sought comfort in familiar surroundings. Similarly, individuals who experience trauma in personal relationships may hesitate to enter new ones or commit fully to current partnerships. This can result in difficulties making important decisions, such as starting a family or pursuing career opportunities.
The act of witnessing the death or injury of comrades has been found to negatively affect trust and relational decision-making. These experiences can cause feelings of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and psychological distress, leading to isolation and withdrawal from social activities. It's essential to acknowledge and address these issues to maintain healthy relationships and make sound decisions. Veterans and other individuals who have witnessed traumatic events should seek support to overcome their emotional struggles and rebuild trust with others.
How does witnessing the death or injury of comrades influence trust and relational decision-making?
According to studies on PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), individuals who have experienced witnessing the death or injury of comrades may experience a decrease in trust and relational decision-making due to the following reasons. One reason is that the trauma they experienced can trigger feelings of fear, anxiety, and helplessness, which can make it difficult for them to form strong bonds with others.