In modern times, military organizations have experienced an increase in the prevalence of moral injuries among their personnel due to various reasons such as exposure to violent conflicts, traumatic experiences, and unethical practices. Moral injuries are defined as psychological wounds caused by witnessing, experiencing, or participating in acts that violate one's personal values or code of ethics. These individuals develop symptoms like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, self-harm, and even suicidal ideation.
These soldiers must continue working in a high-pressure environment requiring close interactions with others despite these challenges. This article will discuss how soldiers maintain relational empathy while coping with the emotional aftermath of moral injury.
Relational empathy involves understanding and respecting others' feelings, thoughts, perspectives, needs, and goals, which is essential for effective communication, teamwork, leadership, and conflict resolution. Soldiers who fail to develop this ability may experience interpersonal difficulties, strained relationships, reduced performance, and compromised safety. Developing relational empathy requires effort, practice, and dedication, especially when suffering from moral injury. The following steps can help soldiers build healthy interpersonal relationships despite moral injury:
1) Acknowledge and accept the impact of moral injury: Soldiers need to acknowledge that moral injury affects them, leading to internal struggles, cognitive changes, and behavioral patterns that challenge their social skills. They should identify triggers, negative behaviors, and underlying beliefs driving these reactions and take responsibility for improving themselves.
2) Seek support: Soldiers need to seek professional help and join support groups where they can share their experiences and learn new ways to relate to others. Family members, friends, and colleagues can also provide assistance by listening actively, offering nonjudgmental advice, and encouraging change.
3) Practice active listening: Active listening involves paying attention, clarifying misunderstandings, paraphrasing, acknowledging, reflecting, summarizing, and asking questions to understand the speaker's perspective. It helps soldiers see things from another person's point of view, reducing judgment, defensiveness, and confusion.
4) Use positive language: Positive language helps soldiers express their opinions, ideas, and emotions without attacking or blaming others. It includes using "I" statements, avoiding absolutes, apologizing, admitting mistakes, and taking accountability for actions.
5) Show compassion: Compassion entails recognizing and caring for others' feelings while respecting their perspectives and goals. Soldiers must listen attentively, validate emotions, offer empathetic responses, and show appreciation for goodwill gestures. They can use phrases like "I am sorry you feel this way," "It makes sense why you think so," and "That is a valid concern."
6) Take breaks: Taking breaks during conversations allows soldiers to recharge, relax, and process their thoughts before responding. Breaks prevent miscommunications, aggressive behaviors, and impulsive decisions that may damage relationships.
7) Manage expectations: Soldiers should manage expectations regarding others' behavior, reactions, and needs. This step involves setting boundaries, being direct about needs and limits, communicating effectively, and accepting imperfections in human interactions.
8) Practice self-care: Self-care strategies like exercise, hobbies, meditation, therapy, and healthy habits can help soldiers cope with moral injury symptoms and improve interpersonal skills. Adequate rest, nutrition, and socialization also promote relational empathy by reducing stress, anxiety, and irritability.
Relational empathy helps soldiers maintain positive relationships despite moral injuries, which are common among military personnel. Following the above steps will improve communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, and overall well-being.
How do soldiers maintain relational empathy while coping with the emotional aftermath of moral injury?
Soldiers may employ several strategies to maintain their relationships during times of moral distress, including communication, acknowledgment, seeking support from trusted individuals, and engaging in self-care practices such as exercise or hobbies. They may also benefit from therapy and other mental health services that can help them process and heal from trauma.