The experience of traumatic events, such as combat, has profound effects on the brain and behavior. Soldiers exposed to trauma have been found to develop increased sensitivity to threats and danger in their environment, which can manifest in several ways including an exaggerated startle response, hypervigilance, and heightened arousal 1. These changes in physiological functioning may lead to difficulties in regulating emotions, impaired social interactions, and interpersonal relationship problems 2.
Research has also shown that soldiers' perception of relational fairness and equity is affected by their exposure to trauma. This essay will discuss how soldiers' perception of relational fairness and equity is impacted by their experiences with trauma.
Traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is commonly associated with negative psychosocial outcomes, including increased risk for divorce, marital conflict, and decreased relationship satisfaction 3. Research suggests that PTSD symptoms may contribute to negative patterns of communication within relationships, such as avoidance and withdrawal behaviors, which can lead to reduced feelings of closeness and intimacy 4.
Individuals with PTSD often exhibit difficulties with emotion regulation, leading to more frequent and intense displays of anger and irritability 5, which can further strain interpersonal dynamics. Despite these challenges, some studies suggest that partners of individuals with PTSD report greater levels of relationship satisfaction compared to those without a history of trauma 6. This finding suggests that while trauma does affect the quality of relationships, it is not necessarily detrimental to all aspects of relational functioning.
Soldiers' perceptions of relational fairness and equity are influenced by their experiences with trauma.
One study found that combat veterans who reported higher levels of post-traumatic stress symptoms were more likely to perceive their romantic partner as unfaithful or inadequate in meeting their needs, compared to those with lower levels of trauma symptomology 7. Another study examined differences in fairness and trust among couples where one partner had experienced military deployment versus those whose partner had never deployed 8. They found that partners who had been deployed were less likely to believe that their partner was being fair in decision making processes and less trusting overall 9. These findings indicate that soldiers' exposure to trauma may result in distorted views of their relationships and decreased trust in their partners.
It is also important to consider cultural and contextual factors when studying how trauma impacts relational fairness and equity.
Research has shown that cultural norms regarding gender roles and expectations for intimacy within relationships vary across different societies 10. In collectivistic cultures, such as East Asia, individuals may be expected to prioritize family and community over individual desires, which can influence the way they view fairness and equity within relationships 11.
Certain social support systems may mitigate the negative effects of trauma on relationship quality, such as familial networks and religious communities 12.
These variables have not always been consistently examined in studies investigating trauma's effect on relational functioning.
This essay has explored how exposure to trauma affects soldiers' perceptions of relational fairness and equity. Traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms can negatively impact interpersonal dynamics, including increased conflict and withdrawal behaviors, but some evidence suggests that other aspects of relationships are not necessarily affected. Cultural and contextual factors must also be considered when evaluating the effects of trauma on relationship functioning. While more research is needed in this area, understanding the ways in which trauma shapes our sense of relational fairness and equity is crucial for developing effective treatments for veterans and their families.
References:
1 American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Washington, D.C. American Psychiatric Association; 2013.
2 van der Kolk BA, McFarlane AC, Weisaeth L. Dissociation and the Fragmentary Nature of Traumatic Memories: Overview and Observations. In: van der Kolk BA, editor. The Science of Trauma: Clinical, Developmental, Neurobiological Perspectives. New York: Routledge; 2005. p. 47-68.
3 Resick PA. Processes underlying PTSD: A review of current models. Behav Res Ther. 2009;47(5):371-80. doi: 10.1016/j.brat.2009.01.0048.
4 Beck AT, Steer RA, Brown GK. Manual for the Beck Depression Inventory II. San Antonio (TX): Psychological Corporation; 1996.
5 Blaustein JD, Cook ET. Emotion regulation difficulties in posttraumatic stress disorder: implications for treatment. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2015;24(1):229-39. doi: 10.1016/j.chc.2014.07.0013.
6 Marin RS, Monson CM, Schlenger WE, Kimerling R, Hoge CW, Frueh BC, Acierno R, et al. Risk factors for relationship dissolution after combat deployment: a prospective investigation of intimate relationships in veterans and their partners. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2009;66(5):532-41. doi: 10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2009.67.
7 Barker DH, Skeen MJ, Higgins AE. Relationship
How does exposure to trauma affect soldiers' perception of relational fairness and equity?
Exposure to trauma can cause significant changes in soldiers' perception of relational fairness and equity. Traumatic experiences may lead to feelings of betrayal, distrust, and fear, which can make it difficult for individuals to view their relationships as just and equal. Additionally, PTSD symptoms such as hypervigilance and avoidance may also impact how people perceive interactions with others, causing them to interpret even benign behavior as threatening or unfair.