Veterans returning from war often experience an upheaval in their personal lives due to the effects of combat trauma. Moral injury, which occurs when someone does something they believe is morally wrong during wartime, can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and betrayal that can strain existing relationships and create new ones. Existential reflection, or thinking about life's meaning after witnessing death and destruction, may also impact how veterans view their relationships with others. This essay will explore the ways veterans reconstruct relational priorities when moral injury and existential reflection redefine love, loyalty, and commitment.
Moral Injury
Moral injury is the psychological damage caused by participating in acts that violate one's personal code of conduct or values. It results in a sense of profound guilt, shame, remorse, or self-blame, and can be difficult for veterans to process. As a result, many veterans struggle with trust, intimacy, and closeness, leading to difficulties in forming and maintaining healthy romantic relationships. According to research, 40% of male veterans report experiencing some form of sexual dysfunction related to moral injury (Riggs et al., 2018).
Studies have shown that moral injury can negatively impact marital satisfaction and emotional intimacy (Stander & Cobb, 2019).
Existential Reflection
Existential reflection involves questioning one's place in the world and how to live meaningfully in response to mortality. For veterans who have experienced war firsthand, this can involve grappling with themes such as death, loss, and trauma. This reflection often leads to a reassessment of what is truly important in life, including relationships with family and loved ones. Many veterans find themselves seeking deeper connections with those they care about after witnessing the brutality of war firsthand. They may also seek out activities that help them feel more connected to their community and purpose, such as volunteering or working towards social change.
Relational Priorities
The effects of moral injury and existential reflection on relational priorities are complex and multifaceted. Veterans may feel less able to commit fully to their partners because they fear betrayal or disloyalty due to past actions. They may also struggle with feelings of guilt or shame that interfere with feeling close to others. Some may withdraw from relationships altogether, while others may seek out new partners who will not judge them for their past experiences.
However, many veterans work to reconstruct their priorities by focusing on creating meaningful connections that honor their values and provide a sense of belonging.
The impact of moral injury and existential reflection on relational priorities is profound for veterans returning home from combat. Veterans must navigate these challenges carefully, working to heal from trauma and build healthy, lasting relationships despite the difficulties posed by wartime experiences. With support and guidance, veterans can learn to redefine love, loyalty, and commitment in ways that honor both their individual needs and broader societal expectations.
In what ways do veterans reconstruct relational priorities when moral injury and existential reflection redefine the meaning of love, loyalty, and commitment?
The construction of relationships by veterans is a complex process that can be affected by various factors such as moral injury and existential reflection. Moral injury refers to the experience of guilt, shame, anger, betrayal, and other negative emotions associated with actions taken during military service. This can lead to changes in how individuals view themselves and their place in the world, which may impact their ability to form strong interpersonal connections.