Sexual coping strategies are essential for military members who are deployed to different areas for extended periods of time. Coping mechanisms may vary depending on the length of deployment, location, and level of intensity of conflict. These strategies can help maintain healthy relationships during separation from partners, family members, and friends.
These coping strategies can also have negative effects if they lead to problematic behaviors such as infidelity, promiscuity, or substance abuse. In this article, I will explore how sexual coping strategies evolve across multiple deployments or combat tours.
During a deployment, military members often experience increased stress levels due to their duties and responsibilities. This can lead to decreased libido and difficulty achieving arousal. To cope with this, some individuals may engage in masturbation or solo sex activities to relieve tension and improve their mental wellbeing. Other strategies include watching pornography or reading erotic materials to stimulate sexual desires and fantasies. Some service members may also develop emotional intimacy through communication with loved ones via text messaging, phone calls, or video chats.
As deployments continue, sexual coping strategies may change.
Some service members may form romantic relationships with other military personnel or civilians. These relationships may involve physical intimacy, but they may not be emotionally fulfilling. This can lead to complications when returning home and reintegrating into civilian life. In addition, service members may become more open to new experiences and may try different forms of sexual exploration, such as BDSM or group sex. These activities can provide excitement and distraction from the challenges of everyday life, but they can also increase risk-taking behavior and put partners at risk for STIs or pregnancy.
After several deployments, service members may develop complex patterns of behavior that are difficult to break. They may find it hard to maintain healthy relationships with family members and friends because of their sexual habits.
They may have difficulties setting boundaries around sex or experiencing guilt about infidelity. These issues can affect their mental health and overall wellbeing, leading to depression or anxiety.
Seeking professional help is essential for those struggling with problematic behaviors related to sexual coping strategies.
Sexual coping strategies evolve across multiple deployments or combat tours due to changes in stress levels, availability of resources, and social norms. It's essential for service members to seek support from mental health professionals if they struggle with problematic sexual behavior.
How do sexual coping strategies evolve across multiple deployments or combat tours?
Sexual coping strategies can be influenced by several factors, including the length of deployment, gender identity, age, prior experience with trauma, family support, social norms, and individual differences in sexual desire and motivation. Research has shown that soldiers who have served more than one deployment may exhibit different levels of resilience, stress reactivity, and vulnerability to PTSD symptoms compared to those who have not been deployed before.