Operational stress refers to the physical, psychological, and emotional strain that soldiers experience during their deployment in a war zone. It can take various forms, such as physical injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and burnout. These symptoms are often exacerbated by the lack of emotional support from family members or friends back home.
Some soldiers may find solace in their romantic partners who provide practical assistance and companionship. This raises an important question - how does operational stress influence soldiers' perception of the importance of emotional versus practical support in relationships?
To answer this question, researchers have conducted numerous studies on the subject. One study found that soldiers with PTSD were more likely to report dissatisfaction with their relationships than those without PTSD. The reason is that PTSD can cause distrust, anger, and emotional distance between partners.
Military life often requires long periods of separation, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. As a result, many soldiers turn to their partner for emotional support, and they value it even more when they feel vulnerable. On the other hand, some soldiers prefer practical support, such as help with household chores or childcare, because they cannot rely on others to meet their needs.
Another study found that soldiers who experienced combat trauma were less likely to seek emotional support from their loved ones but were more likely to seek practical assistance. They believed that emotions clouded judgment and interfered with decision-making, so they preferred a clear head during critical situations. Similarly, they felt that sharing their experiences would overwhelm their loved ones and negatively impact them emotionally. Consequently, they sought out practical support, such as help with financial issues or legal matters.
These findings do not mean that emotional support is unimportant in soldiering relationships. Instead, soldiers may need both types of support depending on their circumstances.
If a soldier has been injured in battle, they may require more emotional support to cope with physical pain and mental anguish. Alternatively, if a soldier faces severe financial difficulties due to deployment, they may rely heavily on practical support from their partner to pay bills and raise children.
Operational stress affects soldiers' perception of the importance of emotional versus practical support in relationships. Some soldiers may prioritize emotional support while others may favor practical assistance based on their individual needs and life experiences. Both types of support are essential for maintaining healthy relationships between soldiers and their partners.
How does operational stress influence soldiers' perception of the importance of emotional versus practical support in relationships?
Operational stress is known to be a common problem for military personnel, with many experiencing difficulties adjusting to new environments, managing responsibilities, coping with trauma, and maintaining positive relationships (Walton et al. , 2019). One study found that soldiers who experienced high levels of operational stress were more likely to prioritize practical rather than emotional support from their partners (Ramirez & Carvajal, 2020).