The emotional closeness between two people is essential for healthy romantic relationships. It involves the deep connection that develops between individuals who share an intense emotional bond based on trust, commitment, understanding, and respect.
It can be challenging to maintain this level of intimacy when partners are frequently deployed or assigned to high-risk jobs. Psychological research has provided insight into the mechanisms that enable couples to sustain their emotional closeness despite these factors.
One of the primary psychological mechanisms enabling couples to remain close is communication. Effective communication allows them to express their thoughts, feelings, and needs openly without fear of judgment or rejection. This way, they can understand each other's perspectives better, empathize with one another's experiences, and find common ground. Couples can achieve this through frequent and meaningful conversations, active listening, and constructive feedback.
Military spouses who share their concerns about deployment with their partners and receive validation feel more connected and supported. Similarly, police officers who discuss stressful situations with their partners during down time have improved emotional intimacy.
Another mechanism enabling couples to stay connected is physical touch. Touch conveys warmth, comfort, and affection, which strengthens emotional bonds. While long-distance deployments may restrict physical contact, other tactile gestures such as holding hands or hugging help couples stay connected. Military personnel in remote areas often send personal items such as letters, photos, or small gifts that convey closeness. Police officers may hold their partner's hand while going through a difficult experience or give them a kiss before leaving for work.
Shared activities and interests promote emotional closeness by creating positive memories and moments together. Frequent date nights, weekend getaways, or vacations are examples of such activities. They allow couples to spend quality time alone, away from everyday stresses and responsibilities, and focus on each other. As a result, the couple learns more about each other's likes and dislikes, values, and personality traits. Shared interests like sports, music, or reading create shared experiences and foster a deeper connection.
Couple therapy is also an effective tool to maintain emotional closeness despite deployments or high-risk assignments. It involves counseling sessions focused on improving communication, resolving conflicts, and managing stress. Couples learn how to manage separation anxiety, reconnect after deployment, and develop coping strategies for stressful situations. This approach helps them to address underlying issues affecting the relationship and improve intimacy.
Psychological mechanisms such as communication, touch, shared activities, and therapy enable military spouses and police partners to sustain emotional closeness during deployments or high-risk assignments. By focusing on these factors, they can deepen their connection and strengthen their bond, even in challenging circumstances.
Which psychological mechanisms enable couples to sustain emotional closeness despite repeated deployments or high-risk assignments?
Researchers have suggested several psychological mechanisms that enable couples to sustain emotional closeness during periods of separation due to military deployment or high-risk assignment. One such mechanism is maintaining a sense of togetherness through communication and shared experiences. Couples can stay connected by using technology, such as video calls or social media, to keep up with each other's daily lives and share moments from their separate locations.