The relationship between sexual identity and military role expectations has been studied extensively for decades in psychology research.
There is still limited understanding of how these factors affect relational satisfaction among military couples. Studies have shown that sexual minorities face unique challenges when it comes to their identities within their service branch.
Researchers have found that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals often experience discrimination, harassment, and violence from peers and commanding officers due to their sexual orientation. This can lead to feelings of isolation and decreased job satisfaction, which may also impact relational satisfaction.
Military life is characterized by strict rules, regulations, and hierarchy, making it difficult for individuals to express themselves freely without fear of repercussions. Traditional gender roles are emphasized in the military context, where men are expected to be strong, tough, and aggressive while women are supposed to be submissive and nurturing. These gendered expectations can create tension between partners if they do not align with their own personal beliefs or experiences.
Many military couples face separation during deployments or training exercises, which can strain their relationships further.
Several studies have explored the impact of sexual identity on relational satisfaction among military couples. One study found that LGBT individuals experienced higher levels of relational conflict than heterosexuals due to perceived stigma within the military community. Another study found that same-sex couples reported lower relationship quality compared to opposite-sex couples due to a lack of support from peers and leaders.
Some studies have also found that LGBT individuals report higher levels of relationship quality compared to heterosexual counterparts who were closeted about their identities.
There is limited research available on how sexual identity interacts with military role expectations to influence relational satisfaction among military couples. Further investigation into this topic could provide valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by sexual minorities in military settings and inform interventions to improve relationships within these communities.
How does sexual identity interact with military role expectations to influence relational satisfaction?
Sexual identity is defined as one's self-concept of being male, female, or somewhere along a spectrum between these two categories (Perez, 2018). Military roles are expected to be strictly gendered, where men perform masculine roles while women take on feminine ones. This expectation may create challenges for individuals who do not identify with their sex assigned at birth but still desire to serve in the military.