As same-sex marriage becomes increasingly recognized around the world, more LGBT couples are serving in the military. Research suggests that there is a strong link between trust, emotional intelligence, and effective coping strategies among these couples. This article explores how relational trust, emotional competency, and adaptive coping impact one another in LGBT military couples.
Relational Trust is an essential factor for successful relationships. It involves trusting your partner to provide emotional support, physical closeness, respect, loyalty, honesty, and open communication. Without it, partners may feel vulnerable, anxious, and uncomfortable expressing their feelings. Poor relational trust can lead to mistrust, jealousy, and hostility which negatively affect mental health.
Emotional Competence refers to a person's ability to understand and regulate their own emotions as well as recognize and respond appropriately to others' emotions. When individuals have high levels of emotional competence, they are better equipped to handle stressful situations, maintain positive relationships, and make wise decisions.
When couples lack this skill, conflict arises, leading to increased tension and relationship strain.
Adaptive Coping is a way to deal with stressors positively by using effective strategies such as problem-solving, social support, cognitive restructuring, and relaxation techniques. These strategies help individuals cope with daily challenges and manage traumatic events effectively, reducing negative effects on psychological and physical health. Adaptive coping skills can be learned through therapy or self-directed efforts like meditation and exercise.
In LGBT military couples, all three factors play a significant role in promoting resilience during deployment and transition periods. Relational trust builds a secure base that allows partners to rely on one another for support while apart. Emotionally intelligent individuals tend to communicate more effectively, making them less likely to misinterpret each other's intentions or react poorly under pressure.
Adaptive coping provides resources for dealing with the demands of military life, helping couples navigate the unique challenges of being away from home for extended periods.
As research continues to explore these interrelated concepts, LGBT military families will benefit from understanding how they impact each other. With greater awareness, couples can strengthen their relationships by developing relational trust, practicing emotional competence, and learning adaptive coping techniques.
What is the relationship between relational trust, emotional competence, and adaptive coping in LGBT military couples?
Relational trust refers to an individual's belief that their partner will behave honestly and reliably towards them. Emotional competence encompasses one's ability to recognize, express, understand, regulate, and utilize emotion effectively in various situations. Adaptive coping involves adjusting thoughts and behaviors to meet challenges and maintain wellbeing.