In today's military families, when one parent is deployed for an extended period of time, it can have a significant impact on their relationship with the other partner back home. This separation often leads to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and anxiety, which can manifest themselves through various forms of disrupted communication and emotional distance.
Couples may experience difficulty maintaining regular contact due to limited technology access, language barriers, or cultural differences that make verbal communication more challenging.
They may feel less able to express their emotions openly, leading to frustration and resentment. These factors can create a sense of emotional distance between partners, making them feel more detached from each other even after reuniting physically.
The consequences of these relational issues can be far-reaching and long-lasting. Couples who struggle to communicate effectively during deployment are more likely to experience conflict upon returning home, as they are unable to resolve their differences without open and honest dialogue. They may also find it difficult to establish new routines and habits together, as their expectations about what life should look like have changed while apart. This can lead to further friction, stress, and eventual divorce in some cases.
Children who grow up with parents who struggle with communication and intimacy may experience similar difficulties in their own relationships later in life.
There are ways that couples can work to mitigate the negative effects of deployment on their relationships. One important step is to prioritize consistent and clear communication, whether via phone calls, email, or video chat. It's essential for both partners to set aside time each day to check in with one another and express how they're feeling, regardless of the physical distance between them. This helps build trust and understanding, which can help sustain the relationship over time. Another strategy is to focus on shared activities and experiences, such as setting goals or participating in mutually enjoyable hobbies. By creating common ground and points of connection, couples can maintain a stronger bond even when separated by distance.
Disrupted communication and emotional distance post-deployment can have serious consequences for military families, but with effort and dedication, it is possible to overcome these challenges and maintain strong, healthy relationships.
What are the relational consequences of disrupted communication and emotional distance post-deployment?
Disruption in communication may lead to increased misunderstandings, distrust, and conflict between partners, which can further strain their relationship (Baumgartner et al. , 2014). Emotional distance can also make it challenging for partners to connect on an intimate level, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation (Shedler & Spelke, 2016).