Sexual support and psychosexual resilience under prolonged deployment stress
The term "prolonged deployment" refers to extended military service beyond the usual length, which can affect mental health, including sexual functioning. Deployments are often accompanied by increased levels of psychological stress, which can negatively impact sexual behavior, desires, and satisfaction. On the other hand, sexual support - such as sharing intimate moments with loved ones via text messages, video chats, and letters - has been found to increase psychosexual resilience during prolonged deployments. This article explains how this works.
Sexual support is defined as the maintenance or enhancement of sexual desire, arousal, and pleasure through communication or interaction between partners. It includes physical contact, visual cues, touch, verbal reassurance, and emotional attunement, all aimed at strengthening the connection between individuals. During prolonged deployment, sexual support may be more difficult due to separation from one's partner, leading to reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, vaginal dryness, decreased lubrication, and dissatisfaction with intimacy.
Research suggests that sexual support can mitigate these negative effects by promoting positive mood states and reducing anxiety.
Exchanging erotic messages or videos can foster intimacy and excitement, thus counteracting the lack of physical presence.
Expressing love and affection verbally can help build trust and comfort in long-distance relationships, improving overall wellbeing.
Psychosexual resilience is a person's ability to maintain a healthy relationship despite challenges or adversity. In military settings, it involves adapting to the demands of deployment while preserving close ties with family members back home. Research shows that sexual support contributes significantly to psychosexual resilience under stress, helping service members cope better with separation and maintain healthy relationships. Specifically, studies have found that sharing explicit photos, sexting, and engaging in virtual foreplay are effective ways to stay connected emotionally and physically during deployments. These activities can increase libido, arousal, and intimacy, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. By contrast, disconnection from loved ones - such as not receiving regular letters, emails, or phone calls - has been associated with poor mental health outcomes like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Sexual support plays an essential role in maintaining psychosexual resilience under prolonged deployment stress. It helps individuals preserve their identity, reduce distress, and strengthen bonds with partners, even when geographically distant. Military personnel should prioritize communication channels that allow for emotional closeness, physical touch, and positive feedback loops, all vital components of healthy sexual functioning. As sexual support continues to be researched and understood, it may become an integral part of deployments, enhancing both individual wellbeing and military readiness.
What is the connection between sexual support and psychosexual resilience under prolonged deployment stress?
Sexual support can play an important role in promoting psychosexual resilience among individuals experiencing prolonged deployments. Sexual intimacy and communication between partners can help reduce feelings of loneliness, isolation, and anxiety associated with separation during military deployments. Moreover, engaging in sexual activities together before and after deployment may reinforce relationship bonds and provide mutual comfort, which can enhance resiliency against trauma and distress.