The ability to develop and maintain close, meaningful relationships is an important aspect of human life. Relationships are built through mutual trust, respect, understanding, support, and affection.
Military deployment can put these elements under stress due to extended periods of separation from loved ones. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and anxiety, which may make it difficult for soldiers to reconnect with their families when they return home. To overcome this challenge, soldiers need to work on rebuilding relational competence - the capacity to establish and maintain healthy interpersonal connections. They must learn how to communicate effectively, listen actively, be attuned to others' needs, resolve conflicts productively, and demonstrate warmth and caring.
One approach to rebuild relational competence is through therapy that focuses on improving communication skills. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals identify negative thought patterns and change them into more positive ones. It teaches effective problem-solving strategies, emotional regulation techniques, and coping mechanisms. Family systems theory (FST) also provides tools for managing family dynamics in a post-deployment context. FST emphasizes understanding each member's role within the system, identifying unhealthy patterns, setting boundaries, and improving communication and conflict resolution.
Another way to rebuild relational competence is through socialization activities like group therapy or peer support groups. These provide opportunities for soldiers to connect with other veterans who have experienced similar challenges and share experiences. Socializing allows them to practice building new relationships and developing empathy for others' perspectives. Mindfulness meditation and yoga are also proven methods for reducing stress and increasing self-awareness, helping soldiers become more present and open in their interactions.
Couples can improve relational competency by engaging in shared activities, such as hobbies, sports, or travel. This strengthens bonds by allowing partners to enjoy time together and deepen their understanding of one another. Also, attending marriage counseling or relationship workshops can help them address any issues they may have faced during deployment.
Practicing gratitude exercises like journaling or affirmations can increase appreciation for loved ones and improve overall well-being.
Building and maintaining healthy relationships requires effort and commitment from both parties. Soldiers returning from deployment need to prioritize time and energy into rebuilding relational skills with their families and friends. With dedication and patience, they can overcome the emotional disruption caused by deployment and restore intimacy in their lives.
How do soldiers rebuild relational competence when prior deployments have disrupted emotional continuity and relational skills?
Soldiers may need to rebuild their relational competence after returning from deployment because military service can lead to disruptions in emotional continuity and interpersonal relationships. The process of readjustment to civilian life requires soldiers to develop new ways of interacting with others and managing stressors that were previously associated with combat experiences.