Soldiers who experienced positive changes in their sexual attitudes after deployment were more likely to report improvements in overall psychological wellbeing. This finding suggests that increased acceptance of one's sexual identity may play an important role in promoting mental health outcomes following military service.
The exact mechanisms underlying this relationship are still unclear.
One possible explanation for these findings is that improved sexual self-acceptance can lead to decreased feelings of shame and guilt associated with sexual behaviors. This, in turn, could reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), all of which are common among veterans.
If a soldier had previously struggled with accepting their same-sex attraction while deployed, but developed greater acceptance upon returning home, they may feel less distressed about those feelings, leading to reduced PTSD symptoms.
Positive sexual relationships can provide a source of support and social connection, which can be particularly beneficial for those experiencing isolation or other difficulties related to deployment.
Another factor that may contribute to the link between sexuality and mental health outcomes is societal stigma towards LGBTQ+ individuals. Military culture has historically been hostile towards queer people, which can make it difficult for LGBTQ+ members to disclose their identities and seek help for mental health concerns. As such, increased understanding and acceptance of diverse sexual identities within the military may promote more open communication and access to treatment resources, ultimately improving mental health outcomes.
Further research is needed to better understand the specific pathways through which sexual self-acceptance influences mental health outcomes after deployment.
Future studies could explore how different aspects of sexuality - such as identity, behavior, and satisfaction - interact with one another to impact psychological wellbeing. Understanding these mechanisms could inform targeted interventions aimed at promoting resilience and reducing risk factors for negative mental health outcomes.
How does sexual self-acceptance relate to mental health outcomes post-deployment?
Sexual self-acceptance is one of the key factors that affect an individual's mental health following deployment, which refers to an individual's ability to accept their sexual identity and feelings without any negative judgment or hesitation (Hatzenbuehler et al. , 2015).