Romantic Relationships as Stabilizers for Deployed Soldiers
By Alice Smith, Psychology Teacher
Deployment is a stressful experience that can take a toll on a soldier's mental health.
Research suggests that romantic relationships may provide stability and support during this difficult time. When a soldier has someone who loves them, they feel less alone, more secure, and better able to cope with the challenges of deployment.
The Impact of Deployment on Mental Health
Deployment puts soldiers through intense physical and emotional strain, leading to high levels of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These conditions are known to have long-lasting effects on a person's overall well-being. Without proper treatment, they can lead to difficulties in interpersonal relationships, substance abuse, social isolation, and suicide.
Research indicates that deployed soldiers who maintain strong relationships with their partners or spouses tend to experience lower rates of PTSD, anxiety, and other mental illnesses than those without these bonds. This is likely due to the fact that having a partner provides a sense of security, comfort, and normalcy during an otherwise chaotic and uncertain period.
Romantic relationships help soldiers feel supported and cared for even when they are far from home.
The Role of Intimacy in Mental Health
Intimacy is a crucial aspect of any relationship but especially so in military deployments. The absence of physical contact and emotional connection can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and isolation, making it harder for soldiers to cope with deployment. By contrast, regular communication, such as text messages, phone calls, and video chats, helps soldiers stay connected to their loved ones and maintain a sense of closeness.
Couples who engage in intimate activities like kissing, hugging, and sexual behavior also report improved mood and reduced symptoms of PTSD and other psychological issues. The act of touch and affection releases oxytocin, which promotes bonding and reduces stress levels.
Shared intimacy creates a sense of closeness and trust that strengthens the relationship even after deployment ends.
The Importance of Sexual Relationships
Sexual intimacy plays a particularly important role in the mental health of deployed soldiers. Research shows that frequent sex is associated with higher levels of resilience and well-being, while infrequent or no sex can negatively impact mental health. Soldiers who engage in sexual activity tend to have lower rates of depression and anxiety than those who do not.
It's essential to note that sexual relationships should be consensual and mutually satisfying. Forcing someone into sex or using it to control them can have long-lasting negative effects on both parties involved.
Excessive sexual behavior may interfere with work performance and reduce focus during dangerous situations.
Romantic relationships provide stability and support for deployed soldiers by offering a sense of security, comfort, and connection. Intimate behaviors like touch and affection release oxytocin, improving mood and reducing stress. Frequent sexual activity is linked to positive mental health outcomes but must be consensual and safe.
Maintaining a strong romantic bond helps soldiers cope with the challenges of deployment and build resilience against psychological deterioration.
In what ways can romantic relationships act as a stabilizing force against psychological deterioration in deployed soldiers?
One study suggests that romantic relationships may provide a sense of stability and security for deployed soldiers who are away from their loved ones for extended periods of time. This could help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are known risk factors for mental health problems such as depression and anxiety (Feldman et al. , 2019).