Sexual closeness can be defined as physical, emotional, and psychological intimacy between partners that involves sexual activities such as kissing, touching, hugging, caressing, intercourse, and oral sex. This type of intimacy is often considered to be an important part of romantic relationships, but it can also play an essential role in promoting emotional resilience and self-regulation during extended deployment periods. Deployment refers to the process of sending soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, coast guards, or civilians away from home for extended periods of time, usually for military service. These individuals face various challenges during their absence, including stress, anxiety, loneliness, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research suggests that sexual closeness can help deployers cope with these challenges by providing comfort, support, and connection during times when they need it most.
Sexual closeness can promote emotional resilience by reducing stress levels. When soldiers are deployed, they may experience high levels of stress due to the fear of injury, death, or separation from loved ones. Sexual closeness can provide a sense of security and stability, allowing them to relax and focus on other tasks. According to a study published in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, couples who engaged in more frequent sexual activity reported lower levels of daily stress than those who did not engage in sexual activity.
Sexual closeness can promote self-regulation by helping deployers regulate their emotions. During deployment, soldiers may experience intense emotions such as sadness, anger, and frustration. Sexual closeness can serve as a distraction from these negative emotions, providing a positive outlet for release.
Sex can increase oxytocin levels in the body, which is known to reduce feelings of anxiety and improve mood.
Sexual closeness can strengthen relationships between partners. Deployment periods can put strain on relationships, leading to communication breakdowns, trust issues, and infidelity.
Regular sexual activity can maintain intimacy and connection between partners, even when physical distance separates them. A study published in the Journal of Family Psychology found that couples who engaged in sexual activity had higher relationship satisfaction and greater commitment to one another compared to those who did not engage in sexual activity.
Sexual closeness can help deployers manage trauma after returning home. Deployers often face challenges reintegrating into civilian life, including PTSD, depression, and substance abuse. Sexual closeness can provide comfort and support during this difficult time, helping deployers process their experiences and recover from traumatic events. Research suggests that couples who engaged in sexual activity after deployment reported less symptoms of PTSD than those who did not.
Sexual closeness plays an essential role in promoting emotional resilience and self-regulation during extended deployment periods. It provides comfort, support, and connection during times of stress and anxiety, helps deployers regulate their emotions, and strengthens relationships. By embracing sexual closeness during deployment, soldiers can maintain healthy and fulfilling relationships with their partners and mitigate the negative effects of military service.
Can sexual closeness reinforce emotional resilience and self-regulation during extended deployment periods?
Research shows that maintaining intimate relationships can be a helpful way to cope with stressful situations like deployments (Hughes & Schwartz, 2015). In particular, romantic attachment has been linked to increased feelings of security and support, which are essential for regulating emotions (Murray et al. , 2014).