Rotational Deployments
A rotational deployment is when military personnel are deployed for a set amount of time and then returned to their home base before being redeployed again. This type of deployment has become increasingly common in recent years due to the demands of modern warfare and global conflicts. The impact that this type of deployment can have on individuals' emotional state, sexual satisfaction, and relational closeness is significant.
Emotional Synchrony
Emotional synchrony refers to the degree to which people feel emotionally connected to one another. It is important in all types of relationships but particularly so in romantic ones. When individuals are constantly separated from each other due to rotation, they may experience difficulty maintaining emotional synchrony. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression.
It can be difficult for couples to develop new memories together if they are always apart. This can make it challenging for them to connect emotionally when they finally see each other again.
Sexual Satisfaction
Rotational deployments can also affect sexual satisfaction. When individuals are away from their partner for extended periods of time, they may experience sexual frustration or even loss of interest in sex altogether. This can create tension in the relationship and strain communication between partners. Even when the couple is reunited, adjustment issues may persist as they attempt to resume a normal sexual routine. In some cases, partners may need counseling or therapy to address these issues.
Relational Closeness
Rotational deployments can impact relational closeness. When individuals are apart for long periods, they may begin to question their commitment to the relationship. They may wonder whether they truly want to continue spending their lives with someone who they only see for short bursts at a time. This can lead to doubts about the future of the relationship and increased risk of infidelity. Moreover, the stress of deployment can put additional strain on an already fragile bond.
Rotational deployments can have significant effects on individuals' emotional state, sexual satisfaction, and relational closeness. These impacts should not be underestimated and must be addressed by both military personnel and their families.
How do rotational deployments impact emotional synchrony, sexual satisfaction, and relational closeness?
Research shows that long separations due to military deployment can negatively impact both physical and mental health of couples. Deployment may trigger anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and marital distress. Rotational deployments involve more frequent separations but for shorter periods, which also affect emotional bonding and intimacy between partners. According to research by Eisner et al.