Psychological effects of combat can be devastating for soldiers who experience them. One way to help mitigate these effects is through relational satisfaction. Relational satisfaction refers to the quality of a person's relationship with another individual, such as their partner, family member, friend, or coworker. When individuals feel satisfied in their relationships, they are more likely to report positive mental health outcomes, including higher levels of well-being, resilience, and life satisfaction. In contrast, when individuals experience unsatisfying relationships, they may experience negative mental health outcomes like depression, anxiety, and loneliness.
When it comes to combat exposure, research has shown that those who have experienced traumatic events during military service often exhibit symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other psychological issues. These symptoms can persist long after a soldier returns home from deployment and interfere with their ability to function normally in everyday life.
Recent studies suggest that having satisfying relationships may play an important role in reducing the severity of these symptoms.
In one study, researchers found that married veterans with high levels of marital satisfaction were less likely to suffer from PTSD than those with low levels of marital satisfaction. The study also showed that marital satisfaction was related to lower levels of avoidance behavior, which is a common symptom of PTSD. Avoidance behavior refers to efforts to avoid reminders of trauma, such as withdrawing from social situations or avoiding memories of the event. The findings suggest that marital satisfaction may help buffer against the impact of trauma by providing support and encouragement for soldiers to engage in activities outside of combat.
Another study investigated the relationship between romantic relationships and depressive symptoms among female veterans. The results revealed that women who reported high levels of intimacy in their relationships had significantly fewer depressive symptoms compared to those who reported low levels of intimacy. Intimacy involves feeling close, connected, and emotionally supported by another person. This suggests that intimate relationships may be particularly important for female veterans, who are more likely to experience depression than male veterans.
Relational satisfaction appears to play a critical role in mitigating psychological effects of combat exposure. By fostering strong and supportive relationships, individuals can reduce the severity of negative emotional symptoms associated with traumatic experiences.
Maintaining positive relationships can provide a sense of purpose and meaning in life, which has been linked to improved mental health outcomes across various populations.
While further research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying this relationship, these findings highlight the importance of supporting soldiers' personal lives in addition to their military careers. As such, policymakers should consider ways to promote relational satisfaction among service members during and after deployment. This could involve programs aimed at improving communication skills, building trust, and reducing stress within relationships. These interventions could ultimately improve the well-being and resilience of our nation's service members.
What role does relational satisfaction play in mitigating psychological effects of combat exposure?
Relational satisfaction refers to the level of perceived support received from one's close relationships during periods of stress. Research has consistently found that strong social bonds and support networks can help individuals cope with various types of adversities, including posttraumatic symptoms associated with military service (Peterson et al. , 2013).