Can intimacy-focused interventions improve coping, relational satisfaction, and psychological resilience among military couples?
The United States Department of Defense estimates that nearly half of all married individuals serving in the military experience some type of relationship distress, with many experiencing frequent separations from their partners and long deployments during wartime. Military service can have a significant impact on marriages due to the unique demands placed on soldiers' time, including training and exercises, deployments to remote locations, and periods of separation from loved ones. These stressors may lead to increased conflict, communication problems, and difficulties in emotional connection between partners, which could ultimately undermine overall relationship satisfaction. Intimacy-focused interventions aimed at improving communication, increasing sexual intimacy, and fostering shared identity within the couple may help alleviate these issues and promote greater psychological resilience.
One such intervention is called Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT), which focuses on helping couples understand each other's emotional needs and learn how to communicate effectively about them. EFT has been shown to be effective for treating various types of relationship distress, including those experienced by military families, and has been found to increase positive communication patterns and empathy between partners while decreasing negative behaviors like criticism and defensiveness. Another approach is known as Gottman Method Couples Therapy, which emphasizes building a strong foundation of friendship and trust through shared interests, mutual respect, and positive interactions. Gottman therapy includes specific techniques to improve conflict resolution skills, enhance intimacy and passion within the relationship, and build emotional safety for both partners.
Other approaches include Imago Relationship Therapy, which teaches individuals how to identify their own childhood wounds that may be influencing their current relationships, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, which encourages clients to work toward tangible solutions rather than dwelling on past problems or criticisms.
Many military spouses report feeling isolated from civilian friends and family members who do not understand their unique experiences, leading some therapists to recommend peer support groups or social media networks for military families seeking additional support.
Research suggests that these interventions can lead to improved coping strategies among military families, allowing them to better manage stressors associated with deployment and separation without compromising relationship satisfaction.
One study found that military spouses who participated in EFT reported increased levels of marital adjustment, greater relational satisfaction, and reduced levels of depression compared to those who did not receive treatment. Other studies have found similar benefits for couples who received Gottman Method Couples Therapy or Imago Relationship Therapy.
It should be noted that not all interventions are equally effective for every couple. It is important for therapists working with military families to consider each individual's unique needs and preferences when selecting an appropriate approach. Some couples may benefit more from a structured, problem-focused approach like Gottman Method while others may find solace in more open-ended conversations about their shared history and goals.
Intimacy-focused interventions may provide valuable tools for improving communication, connection, and overall wellbeing within military relationships, helping service members and their partners build resilience against the challenges posed by military life.
Can intimacy-focused interventions improve coping, relational satisfaction, and psychological resilience among military couples?
Intimate relationships are crucial for promoting well-being and reducing stress. In fact, research suggests that close and supportive bonds with family members can enhance physical and mental health. A review of studies indicates that individuals who have supportive partners tend to be less likely to develop chronic diseases and exhibit better brain function over time than those who do not (Schulz & Wagner, 2016).