During World War II, researchers conducted experiments on soldiers before they went into battle and afterward to study how war changes their behavior. They found that combat experiences had a profound effect on men's attitudes toward sex and relationships, and these effects lingered for years after the war ended. Soldiers who experienced more intense combat events reported higher rates of divorce, lower levels of sexual satisfaction, less interest in romantic partners, and greater difficulty connecting emotionally with others.
Combat can lead to changes in hormone levels, which affect sexual desire and emotional prioritization.
Cortisol is released during stressful situations like combat, which lowers testosterone production. Testosterone plays an important role in both sexual arousal and aggression. This may explain why combat veterans report feeling less interested in sex and have trouble connecting with their partners.
Oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and trust, declines during combat, making it harder for veterans to form strong connections with loved ones.
Exposure to life-threatening events also shapes relational trust. When soldiers are under fire or facing death, they need to rely heavily on each other for survival, leading to stronger bonds between them.
This can make it difficult for them to trust outsiders later on. Veterans often struggle to connect with family members and friends who haven't shared their experiences because they feel disconnected from civilian life. This is known as "moral injury," where individuals experience guilt and shame for actions taken in wartime and feel detached from society.
Exposure to life-threatening combat events fundamentally alters soldiers' sexual desires, emotional prioritization, and relational trust. The effects linger long after the war ends and can cause problems in personal relationships. Understanding these changes can help improve support services for veterans and their families.
How does exposure to life-threatening combat events shape sexual desire, emotional prioritization, and relational trust?
Life-threatening combat experiences can have a significant impact on an individual's sexual desires, emotional prioritization, and relational trust. Research suggests that exposure to combat may lead to increased levels of anxiety, stress, and trauma, which can negatively affect sexual arousal and attraction (Brady & Kelley, 2016; Bray et al. , 2018).