The impact of close interpersonal relationships can be profound for individuals who have experienced traumatic events or are undergoing chronic stressful conditions such as military service.
The effects may differ depending on the nature and quality of these relationships. In particular, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, agender, asexual, nonbinary, pansexual, polyamorous (LGBTQIA+) soldiers may face unique challenges when it comes to coping with trauma and operational stress due to their marginalized status within the military context. This article will discuss how relational support influences coping with trauma and operational stress in LGBT soldiers, drawing from empirical studies on this population. It will also highlight some implications for policy and practice in supporting LGBTQIA+ soldiers' wellbeing.
Research suggests that relational support can play an important role in mitigating the negative effects of trauma and operational stress on mental health outcomes among LGBT soldiers (McCann & Watson, 2019; Owen et al., 2020; Sutherland & Peterson, 2018).
Studies have found that having positive social support from friends and family is associated with lower levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among LGBT veterans compared to those without this type of support (McCann & Watson, 2019). Moreover, research has shown that close social ties with other LGBT individuals can serve as a buffer against psychological distress in response to stigma-related experiences such as discrimination or victimization (Sutherland & Peterson, 2018).
Not all relationships are equally beneficial in terms of promoting resilience and wellbeing. A lack of supportive relationships can exacerbate the impacts of trauma and operational stress among LGBT soldiers. Studies have documented higher rates of PTSD among LGBT soldiers who report low levels of relationship quality, especially when they perceive their relationships as unsupportive or uninvolved (Owen et al., 2020). In addition, LGBT soldiers may be more likely than their heterosexual peers to experience interpersonal conflict, which can further undermine their coping abilities (Burton et al., 2019).
The current literature suggests that relational support plays a critical role in mitigating the negative effects of trauma and operational stress on mental health outcomes among LGBTQIA+ soldiers.
There are several limitations to these findings that need to be considered. First, most studies have focused on American samples and have used self-report measures of relational support and mental health outcomes. Second, few studies have examined how specific types of support, such as romantic partnerships, affect LGBT soldiers' mental health.
Future research should explore how relational support intersects with other factors, such as gender identity or sexual orientation, to better understand how it influences coping with trauma and operational stress in this population.
In light of these findings, policymakers and military leaders should consider implementing policies and practices that promote positive social relationships among LGBT soldiers.
They could provide training for commanding officers and other service members on supporting LGBT soldiers' needs and fostering inclusive work environments (McCann & Watson, 2019).
They could encourage peer-to-peer support groups and mentorship programs that bring together LGBT soldiers who share similar experiences (Sutherland & Peterson, 2018). By addressing the unique needs of LGBTQIA+ soldiers, we can help ensure that all soldiers receive the necessary resources and support to thrive during their time in uniform.
Relational support is an important factor influencing the coping mechanisms of LGBT soldiers when dealing with traumatic events and chronic stressors. Positive social ties can buffer against the impacts of stigma and discrimination while unsupportive relationships may exacerbate mental health problems. Policymakers and military leaders need to prioritize the creation of inclusive environments and support services that meet the unique needs of LGBTQIA+ soldiers to improve their wellbeing outcomes.
How does relational support influence coping with trauma and operational stress in LGBT soldiers?
The concept of "relational support" refers to the type of social and emotional assistance that individuals provide to each other during times of distress or difficulty. For LGBT soldiers who experience trauma and operational stress, relational support can have a significant impact on their ability to cope effectively.