Sexual health is an important part of overall well-being for military personnel and their partners.
It can be challenging to maintain good sexual health when deployed, especially due to stressors like combat trauma and separation from loved ones. Psychological interventions can help promote sexual health and improve emotional resilience and relational stability among active-duty soldiers. This article will explore some effective psychological interventions that support sexual health and relationships among military members.
One intervention is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps individuals identify and change unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to negative moods and behaviors. CBT can be tailored to specific concerns related to sexual functioning, such as decreased desire or arousal, premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and pain during sex. It can also address relationship issues, including communication skills, conflict resolution, and intimacy building.
Another effective intervention is mindfulness meditation, which involves training in nonjudgmental awareness of one's thoughts and feelings. Mindfulness meditation has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, increase emotion regulation, and enhance physical and mental health. It can be integrated into daily life through practices like deep breathing exercises, body scans, and guided imagery.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapeutic approach that helps process distressing memories and reduce symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). EMDR involves guiding clients to recall traumatic events while focusing on bilateral stimuli, such as hand movements or sounds. EMDR can be used to treat sexual trauma and other forms of PTSD that may impact sexual health.
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is another evidence-based approach that promotes acceptance of challenging experiences and committed action toward valued goals. ACT can help active-duty soldiers with trauma and stress-related difficulties by teaching them to observe their thoughts and emotions without judgment and take steps towards desired outcomes. ACT can support sexual health by helping individuals to accept their bodies, express their needs and preferences, and engage in pleasurable activities.
Psychodynamic therapy, which explores the roots of unconscious beliefs and behaviors, can also be helpful for military members struggling with sexual functioning issues. Psychodynamic approaches can address underlying conflicts related to attachment, intimacy, and power dynamics that contribute to difficulty achieving or sustaining satisfying relationships.
Couples counseling can promote relational stability among military members who are struggling with sexual health concerns. Couples therapy can provide a safe space to discuss difficult topics like infidelity, communication problems, and trust issues and develop skills for resolving conflict and rebuilding intimacy.
Psychological interventions can play an important role in supporting sexual health, emotional resilience, and relational stability among active-duty soldiers. CBT, mindfulness meditation, EMDR, ACT, and couples counseling are all effective methods for addressing specific concerns related to sexual health and relationship satisfaction. Military personnel should consider seeking professional support if they experience difficulties with sexual health or relationships during deployment.
What psychological interventions support sexual health, emotional resilience, and relational stability among active-duty soldiers?
The Department of Defense (DoD) has taken numerous steps to address mental health issues that military members face. One such program is called the Sexual Health Education Program (SHEP). This initiative provides education on sexual health and relationship wellness for all service members, regardless of their gender identity. The SHEP curriculum includes topics like sexually transmitted infections, birth control methods, and consent. In addition, it encourages communication between partners about sexual preferences and desires.