The experience of secrecy has been studied extensively within the field of psychology, but little research has been done on the unique challenges faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) service members who have to keep their sexual orientation or gender identity a secret from their peers and superiors while serving in the military. This study explores the psychological mechanisms that may support adaptation to relational secrecy among these individuals.
Secrecy and LGBT Soldiers
Secrecy is defined as "the state of being hidden or concealed" (Merriam-Webster Dictionary), and it can be experienced at multiple levels including individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and societal. Relational secrecy refers specifically to the concealment of one's personal relationship status, which can include aspects such as romantic involvement, sexual activity, and intimate desires.
An LGBT soldier may need to hide their same-sex partner or nonbinary gender identity from colleagues and commanding officers due to discriminatory policies prohibiting openness about these identities.
Psychological Mechanisms
There are several psychological mechanisms that may help soldiers adapt to relational secrecy. One mechanism is self-esteem. Self-esteem refers to an individual's overall evaluation of themselves, including beliefs about their worth, competence, and attractiveness. Higher self-esteem has been linked to greater wellbeing, resilience, and adjustment across a variety of contexts, including military service (Shapiro et al., 2013). When faced with the stress of hiding their true selves from others, LGBT soldiers with strong self-esteem may find ways to maintain a positive view of themselves despite the challenges they face. They may also seek out social support systems that affirm their identity and provide emotional validation.
Another mechanism is coping strategies. Coping strategies are specific actions taken by individuals in response to stressors in order to manage negative emotions and improve their situation. Examples of coping strategies include problem-solving, emotion regulation, and seeking social support. Soldiers who have developed effective coping strategies for dealing with stressful situations, such as those related to their sexual orientation or gender identity, may be better equipped to handle the demands of secrecy. This may involve developing a sense of humor, practicing mindfulness techniques, or engaging in physical activity to distract oneself from feelings of anxiety or depression.
In addition to self-esteem and coping strategies, identity exploration may also play a role in adaptation to relational secrecy. Identity exploration involves actively investigating one's personal values, interests, and experiences in order to develop a sense of self-understanding. For LGBT soldiers, this process may involve reflecting on their sexual orientation or gender identity, exploring different ways of expressing themselves, and considering how these aspects fit into their overall life goals and aspirations. By engaging in identity exploration, soldiers can gain insight into who they are and what matters most to them, which can help them feel more confident and resilient when faced with adversity.
The experience of relational secrecy among LGBT service members poses unique challenges that require psychological mechanisms of adaptation. The strategies discussed here, including self-esteem, coping strategies, and identity exploration, provide insights into how individuals navigate these challenges and maintain wellbeing despite the pressures of military culture. Further research is needed to understand how best to support LGBT soldiers facing relational secrecy and promote positive outcomes for all members of the armed forces.
What psychological mechanisms support adaptation to relational secrecy among LGBT soldiers?
Relational secrecy refers to the act of withholding information about one's sexual orientation from others (e. g. , family members, friends, coworkers), which can be a common practice for LGBT individuals who experience prejudice or discrimination due to their identity. Research suggests that adapting to relational secrecy requires cognitive flexibility, emotion regulation, and social support.