Romantic connections are one way that individuals can cope with the mental stresses of deployment. These connections can provide a sense of security, stability, and support during periods of separation and change. Research has found that these bonds can help mitigate feelings of loneliness, anxiety, depression, and PTSD, while also providing a source of comfort and understanding. Moreover, they can help reduce interference with daily tasks and routines associated with deployments, such as missed deadlines and forgetfulness.
It is important to note that romantic relationships require effort and communication to be successful. Couples must work together to maintain their connection even when apart, through regular phone calls, video chats, and written correspondence.
Open dialogue about worries and fears can help alleviate stressors and promote emotional closeness. In this article, I will discuss how romantic bonds can positively impact deployed personnel and their partners, and offer strategies for managing conflicts or challenges within these relationships.
I will consider potential drawbacks of relying too heavily on romance as a coping mechanism, and suggest alternative methods of dealing with deployment-related stress.
Romantic Bonds Can Mitigate Deployment Stress
Research suggests that romantic connections can buffer the negative psychological impacts of deployment-related stress by providing emotional support and reducing feelings of isolation.
Studies have shown that couples who maintain frequent contact during deployments experience lower levels of distress than those who do not communicate regularly (1).
Those with strong emotional bonds report higher satisfaction in their relationships overall (2). This is because romantic ties provide an outlet for expressing concerns, sharing experiences, and receiving encouragement from someone who truly understands the difficulties of deployment.
Emotional Support
Romantic bonds are a valuable source of emotional support for deployed individuals, especially during periods of separation and change. A partner's love, affection, and companionship can make it easier to cope with loneliness, anxiety, and depression (3), while also promoting positive mood and self-esteem (4). Moreover, these connections can serve as a distraction from daily stresses associated with deployments, such as missed deadlines or forgetfulness (5). This is because they allow individuals to focus on something other than work-related worries, providing a sense of stability and routine amidst disruption.
Reduced Loneliness
Deployments often result in physical separation between partners, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation (6).
Romantic bonds can help reduce this sense of distance by allowing individuals to connect even when apart. Regular communication through phone calls, video chats, and written correspondence can foster intimacy and closeness, making it feel like the two are never far away from each other (7). This can be particularly helpful for military personnel, who may spend extended periods of time without seeing their loved ones (8).
Benefits for Partners
In addition to reducing stress levels, romantic connections can benefit deployed individuals' partners in several ways.
Couples who maintain frequent contact report higher satisfaction in their relationships overall (9), while those who do not communicate regularly experience increased relationship strain (10). These benefits are likely due to the emotional support provided by romantic ties, which can help alleviate negative feelings and promote positive experiences.
Partners who receive regular updates about their partner's whereabouts and activities tend to have lower anxiety levels (11). This is because they know that their significant other is safe and cared for during deployment, rather than worrying about potential dangers or concerns.
Managing Conflicts
Despite these benefits, romantic bonds can also create challenges within deployments. Couples may struggle with conflicts over finances, parenting responsibilities, and household tasks (12), leading to increased stress and dissatisfaction. Moreover, differences in personality or communication styles can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings (13).
Open dialogue about worries and fears can help mitigate these issues and promote emotional closeness (14). Couples should strive to listen to one another actively, empathize with each other's perspectives, and work together to find solutions that meet everyone's needs.
Alternative Coping Mechanisms
While romantic bonds can be a valuable coping mechanism for deployed personnel, relying too heavily on them can have drawbacks.
If individuals become dependent on their partner's emotional support, they may struggle to cope with stressors independently (15). Similarly, excessive phone calls or video chats can interfere with daily routines and work performance (16). Therefore, it is important to strike a balance between seeking support from loved ones and developing other coping mechanisms, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies (17).
Seeking professional counseling or therapy can provide additional resources for managing deployment-related stress (18).
Romantic connections are an effective way to buffer the negative psychological impacts of deployment-related stress. They provide emotional support, reduce loneliness, and foster positive experiences even when apart.
Couples must work together to maintain their connection by communicating regularly, empathizing with each other's perspectives, and finding solutions to conflicts.
Balancing this support with other coping strategies is essential for a healthy and successful deployment.
In what ways do romantic connections buffer the negative psychological impacts of deployment-related stress?
Although military personnel experience heightened levels of stress related to combat exposure, social support can reduce these effects. Research indicates that the presence of a significant other during deployment acts as an effective buffer against posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) (e. g. , Cohen et al. , 2014). The positive impacts of being in a romantic relationship on mental health may be attributed to the sense of belongingness and self-worth associated with intimate relationships.