How Shifts in Emotional Expression From Deployment to Homecoming Affect Perceptions of Relational Closeness
Emotions are crucial for maintaining strong and satisfying relationships between individuals. They provide an essential channel through which people can express their feelings toward one another, such as love, attraction, interest, appreciation, and commitment.
When individuals experience emotional shifts during military deployment and reintegration, these emotions may be altered, creating challenges for maintaining healthy relational closeness. This article explores how shifts in emotional expression from deployment to homecoming affect perceptions of relational closeness.
The process of deployment and reintegration is often stressful for service members and their families. During deployment, service members may feel anxiety, fear, loneliness, and sadness due to separation from loved ones, while family members may feel anxious, lonely, and stressed about the safety of their partner. These intense emotions can lead to changes in communication patterns and emotional expression that impact relationship dynamics.
Service members may become more distant or reserved when communicating with their partners, while family members may become more needy or dependent.
When service members return home from deployment, they may have difficulty readjusting to civilian life. Their emotional responses may shift again, making it difficult to regain a sense of intimacy and connection. Service members who experienced traumatic events during deployment may also exhibit symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including hypervigilance, avoidance, and negative thoughts. These symptoms can make it hard for them to connect emotionally with loved ones, leading to misunderstandings and hurt feelings.
The shifting emotions associated with deployment and reintegration can lead to miscommunications and strained relationships. Partners may struggle to understand each other's changing needs and expectations, leading to conflict and tension.
The length of time spent apart during deployment can create an imbalance in power dynamics within the relationship, where one person feels like they are carrying the burden of responsibility for maintaining the relationship. This can lead to resentment and distrust.
To improve relational closeness after deployment, couples must be aware of these emotional challenges and work to address them together. They should communicate openly and honestly about their feelings, express gratitude and appreciation for each other, and engage in shared activities that promote bonding and intimacy. Couples therapy is also a valuable tool for helping individuals navigate the emotional shifts associated with military deployment and reintegration.
Shifts in emotional expression from deployment to homecoming can significantly impact perceptions of relational closeness. By understanding these challenges and working together, partners can overcome these hurdles and strengthen their relationship.
How do shifts in emotional expression from deployment to homecoming affect perceptions of relational closeness?
Shifts in emotional expression from deployment to homecoming may affect perceptions of relational closeness as individuals experience significant changes in their relationships during times of stress. While deployed, soldiers often experience feelings of separation, isolation, and anxiety that can lead them to express themselves differently than they would at home. Upon returning home, these individuals may struggle with readjusting to civilian life and close relationships, leading to further emotional changes.