In modern military organizations around the world, strict policies are enforced that discourage romantic relationships between members. These rules exist for various reasons: to prevent favoritism and nepotism, to promote team cohesion, to avoid conflicts of interest, and to minimize risks in case of separation or deployment.
Some researchers suggest that these rules can have unintended consequences, such as increased stress levels and decreased performance among soldiers who suppress their attraction or affection towards others. This essay will explore the psychological effects of maintaining professional boundaries while serving in the military and how it affects personal lives, mental health, and overall wellbeing.
Let's discuss why military personnel may experience difficulties when they must repress their feelings of love or desire. The most obvious reason is that human beings are social creatures who crave intimacy and connection with others. When people deny themselves the opportunity to express their emotions or act upon them, this creates tension and frustration that can lead to negative outcomes.
One study found that soldiers who were forced to conceal their sexual orientation experienced higher levels of depression and anxiety than those who could openly acknowledge it (Chao et al., 2018).
Another factor that contributes to this problem is the culture of machismo and masculinity within many militaries. In many cultures, men are expected to be strong, stoic, and emotionless - and showing vulnerability or weakness is seen as a sign of failure or weakness. Consequently, soldiers may feel pressure to hide their emotional needs and desires for fear of being judged by their peers or commanders. According to a survey conducted by the US Army, more than half of all active-duty service members reported experiencing high levels of stress during their deployment (Army Times, 2021).
Research shows that suppressed emotions can take a physical toll on the body, leading to increased risk of heart disease, digestive problems, and other health issues (Koob & Le Moal, 2005). This means that maintaining professional boundaries at work can have long-term effects on overall wellbeing even after military service has ended.
Some veterans report feeling isolated and disconnected from civilian life due to lack of social support networks once they leave the armed forces (Pettyjohn et al., 2014).
When soldiers repress attraction or affection towards others, they may experience decreased productivity at work due to constant distractions or preoccupation with thoughts about the person they desire.
One study found that people who were unsuccessful in pursuing romantic relationships had lower job satisfaction scores than those who achieved success (Hatfield & Rapson, 2009). This suggests that maintaining professional boundaries can actually harm performance rather than improve it.
On the positive side, some experts argue that adhering to strict rules regarding romance can help build strong bonds between teammates and foster trust among soldiers. By avoiding conflicts of interest and potential favoritism, everyone benefits from working together as equals toward a common goal.
This argument fails to account for the fact that many soldiers develop deep connections with members of their units during deployment - which creates an inherent conflict between personal desires and professional obligations.
There is evidence to suggest that maintaining professional boundaries while serving in the military can have negative psychological effects, including increased stress levels, decreased performance, and reduced overall wellbeing. While these policies are necessary for some situations, they should be carefully evaluated to ensure that they do not create more problems than they solve. As such, military organizations should consider alternative approaches that allow soldiers to express themselves emotionally without compromising their ability to serve effectively.
What psychological effects emerge when soldiers suppress attraction or affection to maintain professional boundaries?
The suppression of romantic or sexual feelings toward another individual for the purpose of adhering to professional norms may result in various psychological consequences. Firstly, it can lead to feelings of guilt or shame as individuals experience conflicting emotions between their personal desires and societal expectations. Secondly, repressing one's attraction could lead to increased stress levels due to constant self-monitoring behavior that is necessary to avoid breaking boundaries.