The study investigated how relational satisfaction influences the coping strategies used by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) individuals serving in the military. Relational satisfaction can be defined as an individual's perception of their level of relationship quality, which is influenced by various factors such as communication, emotional support, conflict resolution, commitment, and trust.
Relational satisfaction has been found to have significant effects on individual psychological outcomes such as mental health, self-esteem, and life satisfaction.
Studies have shown that higher levels of relational satisfaction are associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety, while low relational satisfaction is linked to increased stress and distress.
Relational satisfaction has been shown to play a role in operational performance, with research indicating that those with high levels of relational satisfaction tend to perform better on tasks requiring cooperation and teamwork.
LGBTQIA+ service members face unique challenges when it comes to relational satisfaction due to societal stigma and discrimination. They may experience discrimination from peers, superiors, and commanders, which can negatively impact their relationships and overall well-being. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can further compromise relational satisfaction. As a result, LGBTQIA+ service members may use different coping strategies to deal with these challenges, including avoidance, denial, or confrontation.
The study analyzed survey data collected from 200 active duty soldiers stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, who identified themselves as LGBTQIA+. The sample was diverse in terms of gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and military rank. Participants completed measures assessing relational satisfaction, coping strategies, and psychological outcomes.
The results revealed that LGBTQIA+ service members who reported higher levels of relational satisfaction were more likely to use adaptive coping strategies such as seeking support from friends and family, engaging in problem-focused coping, and using humor. These individuals also reported lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as greater life satisfaction and self-esteem. Conversely, those who reported lower levels of relational satisfaction were more likely to use maladaptive coping strategies such as substance abuse, emotional eating, and withdrawal, and they experienced higher rates of mental health problems.
The findings suggest that relational satisfaction plays an important role in the psychological outcomes and operational performance of LGBTQIA+ service members. By improving the quality of their relationships, LGBTQIA+ service members can better cope with the unique challenges faced by this population, leading to improved overall well-being and increased resilience.
Further research is needed to explore how these factors interact over time and across different military settings.
How does relational satisfaction influence coping strategies, operational performance, and psychological outcomes in LGBT service members?
Relational satisfaction is positively associated with individual's coping strategies, operational performance, and psychological outcomes in LGBT service members (e. g. , Hodge et al. , 2016; Sinclair & Chang, 2020).