Can Emotional Intimacy Serve as Protective Factor Against Anxiety, Depression, And Ptsd In Active-Duty Military Personnel?
Emotional intimacy is the state of being close to another person physically, mentally, and spiritually. It involves understanding each other's feelings, thoughts, and beliefs deeply. People who are emotionally intimate may have strong bonds that go beyond physical contact. They feel safe to share their deepest emotions without fear of judgment or rejection.
The concept of emotional intimacy has been studied extensively in psychology, sociology, and medicine.
It can be difficult to define because different people experience it differently based on cultural differences, gender roles, age, social status, and personal backgrounds.
Some cultures encourage romantic relationships while others emphasize familial ties. Some people value privacy, while others prefer openness.
Researchers have found that emotional intimacy has many benefits for mental health. It helps reduce stress levels and promotes resilience against depression and anxiety. One study showed that women who had more intimate relationships with family members were less likely to suffer from depression than those who did not (Strauss et al., 2015). Another study demonstrated that emotional intimacy reduced heart disease risk factors by decreasing cortisol levels (Shahar & Wingard, 2014).
Emotional intimacy may protect against posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a common mental illness in military personnel. PTSD develops when someone experiences a traumatic event and struggles to cope with the aftermath. Common symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance behaviors, hypervigilance, negative thoughts, and feelings of guilt or shame. Studies suggest that people with stronger emotional bonds are more resilient to stressful events (Kobak et al., 2017; Sullivan et al., 2019). A recent meta-analysis found that emotional closeness was associated with lower rates of PTSD among veterans (Ng et al., 2021).
Research is limited on whether emotional intimacy can prevent other forms of mental illness.
Some studies suggest that it might be especially beneficial for reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety but not PTSD (Morgan et al., 2017). Others argue that emotional intimacy has no effect on anxiety disorders (Ford et al., 2016). Further research is needed to explore how emotional intimacy affects different types of mental health issues and what variables predict its impact.
Emotional intimacy seems to play an important role in promoting wellbeing in active-duty military personnel. It provides support during times of crisis and helps them feel connected to their loved ones. While further study is necessary, encouraging emotional closeness may help reduce risk factors for various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Can emotional intimacy serve as a protective factor against anxiety, depression, and PTSD in active-duty military personnel?
Anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are mental health concerns that can significantly impact the lives of active-duty military personnel. These conditions can result from various sources, such as deployment experiences and combat exposure. While effective treatments exist for these issues, they may not be accessible due to stigma surrounding mental health or limited access to resources.