Moral injury is an increasingly recognized phenomenon that has significant implications for individuals' psychological well-being. It refers to the experience of harm to one's personal values, beliefs, or sense of identity caused by witnessing or perpetrating actions that violate those values, which can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, betrayal, and disillusionment. These feelings can significantly impact individuals' thoughts, emotions, and behaviors across various domains, including their relationships and sexual experiences. This article explores how moral injury affects military couples specifically, focusing on three areas: sexual behavior, emotional openness, and relational trust.
Sexual Behavior
One way moral injury may influence military couples' sexual behavior is through changes in libido. Individuals who have experienced moral injury often report feeling disconnected from their bodies and sexually uninterested due to feelings of guilt or shame related to previous experiences. They may also struggle with intimacy issues stemming from the betrayal of trust they feel towards themselves or others. In some cases, these issues can lead to relationship problems such as infidelity or sexual dysfunction.
Veterans who served in Afghanistan reported feeling guilty about engaging in sexual activity because it contradicted their religious or cultural beliefs, leading to decreased interest in sex.
Emotional Openness
Moral injury can also impact emotional openness within a relationship, making it challenging to express vulnerability or communicate needs effectively. Individuals who have experienced moral injury may feel ashamed or embarrassed to share their emotions, fearing rejection or judgment. They may also have difficulty being emotionally present during intimate moments, focusing instead on avoiding painful memories or negative emotions. This lack of emotional connection can contribute to feelings of isolation and distance between partners, ultimately damaging the relationship over time. Veterans who returned home after deployment described feeling isolated from their spouses, struggling to connect on an emotional level despite physical proximity.
Relational Trust
Moral injury can affect relational trust by undermining individuals' ability to believe in themselves and others. When someone has violated their core values repeatedly, it is difficult to rely on them for support or guidance in future situations. This can make it challenging to establish trust in a new relationship or maintain existing relationships. Military couples experiencing moral injury may find it hard to trust their partner's intentions or perceptions due to past betrayals or manipulation.
They may struggle with self-trust issues, questioning their own judgement or abilities.
One veteran said that he felt like he couldn't be truthful with his wife about his experiences because she didn't understand what he had been through, which created tension in their relationship.
Moral injury can significantly influence military couples' sexual behavior, emotional openness, and relational trust. These impacts can manifest in various ways, including changes in libido, difficulties expressing vulnerability, and difficulties establishing trust. Understanding how moral injury affects these areas can help couples navigate challenges and strengthen their relationships.
In what ways does moral injury affect sexual behavior, emotional openness, and relational trust in military couples?
Moral injury is a concept that refers to the negative impact of violating one's personal values, beliefs, or ethical principles in relation to oneself or others. This can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, betrayal, and self-blame, which may be experienced by both individuals who have inflicted harm and those who have been harmed.