The concept of resilience has been increasingly discussed within military studies, particularly since the turn of the century. This notion is considered vital in understanding how individuals respond to adversity, challenge, trauma, stress, and conflict. In recent years, scholars have argued that resilience is an essential skill for soldiers to possess because it enables them to cope effectively with challenges they encounter during service and beyond.
This viewpoint can be problematic in several ways. One issue is that it places emphasis on individualistic approaches to coping rather than considering broader structural factors that contribute to resiliency. Another concern is that resilience may create a narrow definition of what constitutes success and worthiness among soldiers. The current study explores how the social expectation for soldiers to maintain resilience impacts their internal sense of worth, desirability, and relational competence in intimate contexts. Specifically, it focuses on the implications of resilience training for soldier wellbeing, identity, and relationships.
Resilience training provides soldiers with tools to overcome obstacles and manage crises.
There are various psychological and physical factors that influence whether these strategies will work or not.
Individuals who experience chronic stress and exposure to traumatic events might find it difficult to adopt resilience-building techniques.
Some people may feel pressure to appear tough and invincible when faced with difficulties; hence, they avoid seeking support or assistance from others. In other words, the concept of resilience can reinforce the idea that soldiers should handle problems alone instead of relying on social networks or support systems. This notion can damage one's self-esteem as it suggests that failure means being weak or unworthy. It can also negatively affect relational competence since soldiers who suppress emotions cannot form healthy relationships based on mutual trust and understanding.
The military has a long history of encouraging stoicism among its members. Traditionally, masculinity was associated with strength, endurance, and mental fortitude. Therefore, any sign of vulnerability or weakness was perceived as feminine and undermined one's status within the group. As such, men were expected to be strong and independent while women were stereotyped as emotionally sensitive and needy. Consequently, this gendered view of resilience created a culture wherein soldiers felt ashamed about displaying any signs of distress or vulnerability. The pressure to maintain resiliency during deployment led them to repress their emotional experiences until they reached the point of breaking down once they returned home.
Resilience training in military settings creates an idealized image of what constitutes success, identity, and worthiness among service members. It pressures soldiers into concealing their pain and struggles while reinforcing societal norms that dictate how men and women should behave. To overcome these challenges, militaries must create spaces for open communication, encourage emotional expression, and promote collaboration among peers. They should also provide access to therapy, counseling, and other support services to address traumatic events effectively.
They must rethink the concept of resilience by recognizing that it is not solely individualistic but involves broader factors that impact wellbeing.
How does the social expectation for soldiers to maintain resilience impact their internal sense of worth, desirability, and relational competence in intimate contexts?
The social expectation that soldiers maintain resilience can have various effects on their sense of worth, desirability, and relational competence in intimate contexts. Soldiers may feel pressured to suppress any signs of vulnerability or weakness, which could lead them to struggle with self-esteem issues if they cannot meet this standard. This pressure may also make it difficult for them to connect emotionally with loved ones who do not understand their experiences or expectations.