Shared experience can lead to shared vulnerability and trust between partners, which in turn affects their ability to communicate about sensitive topics like sex.
Military service members are often exposed to traumatic experiences that can impact their relationships in different ways. These may include combat stress, separation from loved ones, and the effects of living in a hostile environment. This exposure can have lasting effects on both partners' emotions and behaviors.
A study found that military couples who had experienced trauma together were more likely to report lower levels of satisfaction with their relationship than those without such an experience. They also tended to engage less in verbal communication about their feelings and needs for support during deployment periods.
Another study showed that some veterans reported improved communication skills after returning home due to increased self-awareness gained through therapy or group work.
When it comes to sexual intimacy, shared exposure to trauma may affect how partners communicate about their desires and boundaries.
A soldier who has witnessed violence may be hesitant to express his/her desire for physical intimacy because of fear of rejection by their partner based on past experience. On the other hand, a civilian partner might feel guilty if they do not meet their partner's needs adequately due to their own experiences related to the war effort.
Military couples may struggle with relational hierarchy due to differences in rank within the military structure. In this case, one partner may be seen as 'in charge' or 'above' the other, leading them to feel less comfortable communicating openly or sharing vulnerability. As a result, they may avoid discussing topics such as sex or emotional intimacy altogether.
Shared experience of traumatic events can impact military couples' communication patterns and intimate relationships in various ways. This includes communication around sex, emotional intimacy, and relational hierarchies. While some studies show positive outcomes like enhanced communication abilities, others highlight negative effects on both partners. Understanding these dynamics is crucial when working with this population in therapy or counseling settings.
How does shared exposure to trauma shape sexual communication, emotional intimacy, and relational hierarchy within military couples?
Military couples who have experienced shared traumatic events may find it difficult to communicate their feelings and experiences related to those events due to the fear of triggering negative memories. This can lead to difficulty establishing and maintaining emotional intimacy within the relationship. Additionally, the hierarchical structure of military organizations can create power imbalances that may be exacerbated by shared trauma, leading to problems with decision-making and conflict resolution within the couple.