In modern times, many people experience stressful situations such as war, natural disasters, pandemic disease outbreaks, financial crisis, and social unrest. These events can be traumatizing and leave lasting effects on individuals' mental health and wellbeing. One way to cope with these challenges is through close relationships.
Repeated exposure to danger may lead to an imbalance in the priority of emotional needs versus physical needs in relationships. This article explores how this shift occurs and its implications for romantic partnerships.
Repeated exposure to danger has been linked to increased levels of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, suicide risk, and more. People experiencing chronic stress often prioritize their own safety over others' feelings and needs. They become selfish and less emotionally available due to fear or survival instincts.
A soldier who returns from war may struggle to connect with loved ones because they are preoccupied with their PTSD symptoms like nightmares, flashbacks, and avoidance behaviors. Similarly, a person coping with job loss may neglect intimacy due to financial worries and a need to secure resources.
In relationships, the balance between emotional and physical needs shifts when one partner feels threatened by the other. When someone perceives a threat, they activate the "fight or flight" response, which involves releasing hormones that increase arousal and prepare them to respond quickly to danger. This reaction is normal but can cause conflict if it becomes habitual. In such situations, couples may engage in power struggles where each party seeks control over the relationship. Physical needs may dominate as partners compete for attention, affection, sex, and security.
This dynamic can be destructive, leading to resentment, distrust, and betrayal. Emotional needs may fall by the wayside, leaving partners feeling isolated and unheard. If not addressed, this imbalance can damage the relationship and lead to breakups.
There are strategies for managing these issues. Communication is key, so partners should express their needs clearly and listen actively without judgment. Couples counseling or therapy can help identify triggers and develop coping mechanisms. Above all, creating a safe space for vulnerability and emotion can restore trust and intimacy in times of stress.
How does repeated exposure to danger influence the prioritization of emotional versus physical needs in relationships?
Repeated exposure to danger may lead individuals to prioritize their physical needs over their emotional needs due to the heightened sense of survival instinct that is activated during such situations. This can result in a shift towards more practical and pragmatic decision making, where individuals may prioritize actions that are directly related to their immediate safety and wellbeing, rather than those that are more emotionally driven.