The article provides an overview of how sexual activity can be used to mitigate emotional instability experienced by deployed soldiers and their partners. It explores various research studies that have investigated the link between sexual behavior and psychological wellbeing during deployment. The article also discusses different types of sexual activities that may offer emotional stability, including self-pleasure and partnered intercourse. In addition, it discusses the potential risks associated with engaging in such behaviors, and suggests strategies for reducing them.
The article concludes with a discussion of implications for future research and practice.
Research has shown that sexual activity can serve as a buffer against emotional instability during deployment. A study published in 2019 found that among military personnel who were deployed to Afghanistan, those who engaged in more frequent sexual activity reported lower levels of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms than those who did not. This finding was replicated in another study conducted with female veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, which found that women who had higher sexual frequency during deployment had lower rates of depression and anxiety. Researchers suggest that sex may help individuals cope with stress and maintain positive mental health by releasing feel-good chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin.
There are also some potential downsides to engaging in sexual activity while deployed.
One study found that soldiers who engaged in casual sex during deployment were more likely to report feelings of guilt and shame afterwards. Another study suggested that sexual activity during deployment may lead to increased risk-taking behavior, including substance abuse and unprotected sex. To reduce these risks, couples may choose to establish ground rules or boundaries around their sexual behavior, such as limiting the number of partners or using protection.
This article provides an overview of how sexual activity can be used as a buffer against emotional instability during deployment. Future research should explore the mechanisms underlying the relationship between sexuality and psychological wellbeing, and develop interventions that can support healthy sexual behaviors during deployments. Practitioners working with deployed soldiers and their families should consider incorporating discussions about sexuality into their practice, as it can have important implications for overall mental health.
How can sexual activity serve as a buffer against emotional instability during deployment?
Sexual activity can provide a much-needed release for service members deployed abroad who are dealing with high levels of stress and anxiety due to their situation. It is not uncommon for soldiers to feel isolated and disconnected from their loved ones back home while on deployment, which may lead to increased feelings of loneliness and depression.