Sexual behavior has been an integral part of human history since the beginning of time. Throughout the ages, humans have engaged in sexual activities for various reasons such as pleasure, reproduction, bonding, and relaxation.
It is not uncommon to find instances where sex can cause distress rather than joy.
During warfare, when soldiers are away from their loved ones, they often engage in risky behaviors like sexual activity. This paper will explore how sexual activity influences soldiers' perceptions of social support, unit cohesion, and collective belonging.
Sexual Activity and Social Support:
Soldiers who engage in sexual activities during wartime may experience feelings of isolation and loneliness due to being far away from home. The absence of family members and friends may lead them to seek solace in sexual partners to compensate for their emotional needs. Sexual relationships help soldiers feel less alone and more connected to other people, which contributes positively to their overall well-being.
This connection may be temporary and leave soldiers feeling emotionally vulnerable if there is no long-term commitment or emotional investment involved. As a result, soldiers may develop negative attitudes towards themselves or others based on past experiences with intimate partners, affecting their mental health negatively.
Sexual Activity and Unit Cohesion:
The presence of close combat units leads to increased levels of aggression and violence among troops. When soldiers engage in sexual activities while on deployment, they become disconnected from one another because they prioritize self-gratification over teamwork and camaraderie. It makes the unit weaker because soldiers lose respect for each other and fail to trust their comrades during battle.
Some soldiers may be uncomfortable about the sexually active behavior of others, leading to tension within the group.
Sexual Activity and Collective Belonging:
Sexual behaviors can cause soldiers to feel isolated and disconnected from their fellow troop members. Soldiers may view themselves as outcasts because they do not participate in such acts, making them feel marginalized. In contrast, those who engage in sexual activity may struggle with feelings of guilt and shame due to breaking military regulations. Such behaviors undermine collective belonging since soldiers perceive themselves as being different from the rest of the group. Sexual activities also lead to distrust between soldiers because it creates divisions within the ranks, causing a lack of unity and cohesion.
How does sexual activity influence soldiers' perceptions of social support, unit cohesion, and collective belonging?
Sexual activity is often considered taboo within military units. Soldiers who engage in sexual behavior may feel shame or guilt due to their actions and perceive that they have violated organizational norms. This can lead them to withdraw from relationships with fellow members and become isolated from the group. On the other hand, those who do not participate in such activities may experience feelings of superiority and form closer bonds with others who share similar values.