Research suggests that there are several factors contributing to why lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) couples can maintain intimacy and resiliency when faced with long-term deployments. These include communication, trust, openness, mutual support, positive outlook, shared values and goals, flexibility, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Communication is essential for maintaining intimacy during extended deployments. LGBT partners must keep an active dialogue about their feelings, desires, needs, and expectations. This helps them understand each other's perspectives and respond appropriately. They should discuss how they feel about being apart and share updates about their lives.
They may need to negotiate new boundaries, such as agreeing upon how often to contact one another, what kind of messages to send, and what level of sexual activity is appropriate while deployed. Open communication also involves expressing concerns or difficulties honestly without blaming or judging.
Trust is vital because it allows LGBT partners to rely on each other even though they cannot be physically present together. They can trust that their partner will act in a way that supports their relationship, even if separated by time or distance. Trust requires honesty and vulnerability, and it takes work to establish and maintain. Mutual support involves providing emotional and practical help to each other while apart, which builds intimacy.
Openness allows LGBT partners to be authentic and transparent with one another. They do not hide their thoughts or actions from the other person but speak candidly, sharing both good news and bad. Openness encourages closeness and connection, making it easier to reconnect after deployment.
Positive outlook refers to having a realistic yet optimistic attitude toward long separations. LGBT partners believe their bond is strong enough to survive any challenge, including deployment. They view separation as temporary and see potential positives, such as growing individually and strengthening their relationship through overcoming challenges. Shared values and goals are essential for maintaining resiliency during deployments. When partners have common interests and aspirations, they can work towards them together despite being apart. Flexibility means adapting to unexpected circumstances, such as changing plans or schedules due to military requirements. Creativity involves finding new ways to connect, such as sending gifts, letters, or videos, and experimenting with new forms of intimacy. Problem-solving skills involve managing difficult situations effectively without letting them undermine the relationship.
LGBT partners may need to navigate cultural differences, social stigma, family disapproval, or health issues related to their deployment.
Research suggests that communication, trust, openness, mutual support, positive outlook, shared values and goals, flexibility, creativity, and problem-solving skills contribute to sustaining intimacy and resilience in extended high-risk deployments for LGBT couples.
What psychological mechanisms allow LGBT couples to sustain intimacy and resilience during extended high-risk deployments?
The psychological mechanism that allows LGBT couples to sustain intimacy and resilience during extended high-risk deployments is their strong attachment styles. According to research, attachment theory explains how individuals form bonds with others through social interactions and experiences. In the context of relationships between LGBT partners, secure attachment is crucial for maintaining healthy levels of intimacy and resilience.