Can intimate support serve as a form of personal resilience and recovery for soldiers?
Intimate support refers to the emotional, physical, and psychological well-being that is provided through intimate relationships between people. It can take many forms such as hugging, kissing, cuddling, and having sex. In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on the importance of intimate support in the military community due to its potential benefits for soldiers' mental health and overall performance on the battlefield. The concept of intimate support was introduced by Dr. John Gottman in his book "The Science of Trust" which outlined how it plays a critical role in building trust among partners and improving their relationships. According to his research, intimate support is crucial in promoting resilience during challenging situations such as combat stressors, PTSD symptoms, sexual trauma, depression, anxiety disorders, and other mental illnesses common among military personnel.
One: How Intimate Support Promotes Resilience and Recovery
Research suggests that intimate support can help prevent or reduce the severity of mental health problems in soldiers by fostering feelings of security, safety, and attachment within intimate relationships.
Studies have shown that married soldiers who received regular intimate support from their spouses had lower levels of PTSD than those who did not receive any form of support (Roth et al., 2016).
Intimacy provides a sense of belonging and acceptance that can help individuals cope with traumatic events more effectively.
Intimate support can promote physical well-being by reducing stress levels and enhancing immune system function. When someone feels loved and supported by their partner, they are less likely to experience chronic health conditions like hypertension, heart disease, and obesity, which are common among veterans (Stone et al., 2018).
Intimate support has been linked to improved sleep quality, which helps restore energy levels and boost mood throughout the day (Kahn et al., 2020).
Intimate support serves as an effective tool for building personal resilience and recovery in soldiers.
Two: The Role of Gender and Cultural Norms in Intimate Support
The impact of gender on intimate support is often overlooked but plays a significant role in shaping how soldiers perceive and utilize this resource. According to gender norms, men are expected to be emotionally stoic and avoid expressing vulnerability while women are socialized to be caregivers and nurture others' emotional needs.
These gender roles may create barriers that prevent men from seeking intimate support when needed or receiving it positively.
Some men may feel embarrassed or ashamed about seeking emotional support from their partners due to societal expectations. This stigma around emotions can lead to increased isolation and depression, exacerbating existing mental health problems. On the other hand, women who seek intimacy from their male partners may face cultural expectations that discourage them from doing so publicly. These cultural norms must be challenged to encourage open communication between partners regarding the need for intimate support.
Culture also affects how intimate support is received and interpreted by individuals. Different cultures have varying beliefs regarding appropriate forms of intimacy and acceptable levels of emotional expression.
Some cultures view physical touch as taboo outside of marriage, which may deter some soldiers from seeking intimate support even if they need it (Zamostny & Smith, 2019). It is crucial to acknowledge cultural differences and adapt interventions accordingly to ensure that all soldiers receive the necessary support they require.
Three: Overcoming Barriers to Intimate Support
Despite its benefits, there are several obstacles that soldiers may encounter when seeking intimate support. One common barrier is a lack of time and privacy due to deployment schedules, training exercises, and other military requirements. Some couples may find it difficult to maintain intimate relationships while living in different locations or being away from each other for extended periods.
Some soldiers may struggle with sexual trauma or previous experiences that make them feel uncomfortable with intimacy.
Certain lifestyle factors such as alcohol abuse or substance use can impair one's ability to engage in meaningful intimacy with others.
To overcome these barriers, service members should prioritize their mental health and seek professional help when needed. Military personnel can attend therapy sessions individually or with their partner to learn new strategies for building resilience and strengthening communication skills. They can also join peer support groups or connect with others who share similar experiences to promote social support. Couples can work together to create regular routines for spending quality time alone and plan visits whenever possible.
Promoting open dialogue about emotions within the relationship can normalize intimacy and encourage both partners to be vulnerable and authentic.
The Importance of Prioritizing Intimate Support
Intimate support plays an essential role in promoting personal resilience and recovery among soldiers. It fosters feelings of security, safety, and attachment within intimate relationships, reduces stress levels, and improves physical well-being.
Gender roles, cultural norms, and other obstacles can hinder individuals from seeking or receiving this resource effectively. Service members must prioritize their emotional needs and communicate openly with their partners to build strong, resilient relationships that promote personal growth and healing. By acknowledging the importance of intimate support, we can improve the overall well-being of military personnel while recognizing its unique challenges.
Can intimate support serve as a form of personal resilience and recovery for soldiers?
The concept of intimate support can be defined as an individual's ability to cope with stressful situations by relying on their partner or close friend. Studies have shown that intimate support plays a crucial role in promoting mental health and wellbeing among individuals who experience trauma.