Sexual intimacy between partners is an important aspect of a relationship that can help to build closeness, trust, and connection. During deployments, couples may experience increased stress and emotional distance due to the separation, which can lead to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. This can be particularly challenging for military personnel who are away from their loved ones for extended periods of time.
Research has shown that sexual intimacy can play a role in buffering against these negative effects. In this article, I will discuss how sexual intimacy can help to mitigate emotional exhaustion during deployment and promote resilience.
One way that sexual intimacy can help is through the release of oxytocin, sometimes called the "love hormone." Oxytocin is a neurotransmitter that is released during physical touch and intimate activities such as kissing, cuddling, and sex. It has been linked to feelings of bonding, attachment, and trust. When individuals engage in sexual activity together, they can reap the benefits of oxytocin, which can help to reduce stress levels and improve mood.
Studies have found that couples who regularly engage in sexual intimacy tend to report higher levels of marital satisfaction, even when one or both partners are deployed.
Another benefit of sexual intimacy is its ability to provide a sense of comfort and support. Military personnel who feel emotionally supported by their partner while on deployment may experience less emotional exhaustion and greater resilience. Sexual intimacy can provide this type of support because it allows couples to connect physically and emotionally despite being apart. Touching, holding, and caressing can all contribute to feelings of closeness and connection, helping to alleviate loneliness and isolation.
Sexual intimacy can be a form of self-care for service members who are away from home. Many people find that sexual activity releases tension and provides a much-needed break from daily stressors. For those who are unable to engage in physical intimacy with their partner due to distance or other factors, masturbation can also provide these benefits. Masturbation has been shown to lower cortisol levels, which is a hormone associated with stress. By engaging in healthy sexual practices, military personnel can take care of themselves and maintain their overall wellbeing.
Sexual intimacy can play an important role in mitigating emotional exhaustion during deployment. It helps to promote feelings of bonding, trust, and closeness, as well as providing a sense of comfort and support.
It can serve as a form of self-care that helps individuals to cope with the demands of military life. Couples who prioritize sexual intimacy before, during, and after deployments may find that they have stronger relationships and increased resilience when faced with challenges.
What role does sexual intimacy play in buffering against emotional exhaustion during extended deployments?
Sexual intimacy has been found to be an effective way of buffering against emotional exhaustion during extended deployments. During deployment, soldiers may experience stressful conditions such as loneliness, boredom, isolation from loved ones, lack of social support, sleep deprivation, etc. , which can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, anger, sadness, helplessness, and hopelessness (Cavanagh et al. , 2017).