A growing body of research has demonstrated that military personnel experience several types of mental health challenges during their service. These challenges can be categorized into two major domains: traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). TBIs are acquired after physical injuries to the head while PTSD is usually related to severe emotional distress following exposure to life-threatening situations such as combat experiences. Operational stress refers to the psychological impact of working under extreme conditions for an extended period without adequate resources or support systems. Moral injury refers to the inner conflict resulting from participating in actions that violate one's moral principles or ethical standards.
The psychological processes mediating the impact of operational stress and moral injury on sexual satisfaction and relational trust are numerous and complex. One such process is cognitive appraisal, which involves assessing the meaning of events and interpreting them according to one's personal belief system.
If an individual believes they have failed to meet their expectations in a relationship due to their service commitments, this may lead to feelings of guilt and shame, which could negatively impact sexual satisfaction. This process also includes self-blame and self-criticism, which can further erode intimacy and trust between partners.
Another psychological process involved is avoidance behavior, where individuals try to avoid thoughts, memories, and conversations about their experiences, leading to decreased openness and vulnerability with their partner. This can manifest itself in various ways, including emotional distance, withdrawal from sex, and even infidelity. In addition, sleep disturbance is a common side effect of both operational stress and moral injury, causing fatigue and irritability, making it difficult to engage in intimate activities.
Several psychosocial factors influence how these processes impact sexual satisfaction and relational trust.
Gender roles may dictate expectations around sexual performance and responsibilities within a relationship. Age and cultural background can also play a role, as younger couples may be less likely to discuss their military experience openly than older ones. Military culture emphasizes toughness and resilience, discouraging seeking help for mental health challenges, which can make it harder for military personnel to communicate honestly about their needs.
The quality of support systems available outside of the relationship, such as friends, family, and Veterans Affairs (VA) resources, can significantly affect how well individuals cope with the psychological fallout of their military experiences. Supportive partners can provide validation, empathy, and practical assistance, helping alleviate some of the burdens associated with operational stress and moral injury.
Access to professional counseling services can also be critical for addressing the underlying causes of these issues and promoting healing.
What psychological processes mediate the impact of operational stress and moral injury on sexual satisfaction and relational trust?
In recent years, military professionals have increasingly recognized that operational stress and moral injury can have significant effects on both personal wellbeing and professional performance (Haugen et al. , 2019). The psychological impact of such experiences is complex and multifaceted, affecting individuals at all levels of an organization, including their relationships with others.