The impact of emotional suppression on post-deployment relational communication and intimacy is an important area of research that has been explored extensively in recent years. Military personnel often experience intense emotional stress during deployments, which can lead to the suppression of their emotions to maintain mission readiness. This phenomenon can have far-reaching effects on their ability to communicate effectively with loved ones after returning home from deployment. Research suggests that this type of enforced emotional suppression can significantly influence how military members interact with others in close relationships, including their partners and children.
When military members return home from deployment, they may feel disconnected from their family and friends due to their experiences abroad. They may find it difficult to express their feelings verbally or nonverbally, leading to misunderstandings and miscommunications between themselves and their loved ones. This can create tension and distance in relationships, making it challenging for them to build trust and intimacy. In addition, military personnel may struggle to understand their own emotions and those of their loved ones, as they may be unable to connect with them emotionally due to their suppressed state.
One study found that military members who suppressed their emotions were more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as drinking excessively or using drugs, leading to further strain on their relationships. These individuals also reported higher levels of depression and anxiety than those who did not suppress their emotions. The findings suggest that suppressing emotions during missions can negatively impact overall mental health and wellbeing, which can then translate into difficulties with relational communication and intimacy when they return home.
Further research has shown that military members who suppress their emotions are less likely to seek help for mental health issues, which can exacerbate the problem. They may feel ashamed or embarrassed about needing support, believing that seeking help is a sign of weakness or failure. This can lead to further isolation and loneliness, further complicating their ability to communicate effectively with others.
Enforced emotional suppression during deployments can have significant effects on post-deployment relational communication and intimacy. It is crucial that military members receive proper training and support to manage their emotions while on deployment, allowing them to maintain strong connections with their loved ones back home. By addressing this issue head-on, we can better understand how to support our service members and improve their quality of life after returning from deployment.
How does enforced emotional suppression during missions influence post-deployment relational communication and intimacy?
Emotional suppression is a common coping mechanism for many individuals who face traumatic experiences. In the military, soldiers may experience high levels of stress, fear, and anxiety during combat operations that they must suppress in order to perform their duties effectively. This suppression can have lasting effects on their mental health, relationships, and ability to communicate with others.