Research suggests that resilience can be defined as an individual's ability to adapt and recover from difficult situations. This definition has been applied to the experience of military service members who are faced with high-risk deployments that can result in physical and emotional trauma.
Less attention has been paid to how this concept applies to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) couples who face additional challenges due to their identity-related stressors during deployment. In this article, we will explore the factors that contribute to resilience among LGBT couples navigating high-risk deployments, including identity-related stressors, social support, communication strategies, and post-deployment adjustment. By understanding these factors, clinicians working with LGBT individuals and their partners may be better equipped to help them build resilience and cope with the unique challenges they face during deployment.
Identity-related Stressors
One factor that contributes to resilience for LGBT couples is managing identity-related stressors during deployment. Deployment presents numerous challenges, such as separation, changes in routine, and increased responsibilities, which can impact the mental health of both individuals.
For LGBT couples, there is also the added burden of facing discrimination and stigma based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. This can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression, making it more difficult to maintain positive relationships with others and cope with the stresses of deployment.
Some LGBT individuals may feel compelled to hide their identities while serving in order to protect themselves from prejudice or harassment.
Social Support
Another factor contributing to resilience is access to social support networks. Social support is defined as a relationship between two people in which one person provides emotional, instrumental, or informational resources to another. Research has shown that individuals who have strong social support systems tend to experience lower levels of stress and are more likely to recover from trauma. For LGBT couples, this means having a network of friends, family members, or colleagues who understand and accept their identities. This can provide a sense of belonging and validation that can enhance resilience during deployment.
Regular communication with loved ones at home can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation and contribute to overall wellbeing.
Communication Strategies
Effective communication strategies play an important role in building resilience among LGBT couples navigating high-risk deployments. When faced with physical and emotional challenges, open and honest communication between partners can help prevent misunderstandings and promote empathy. This includes being able to express fears and concerns without judgment or blame.
Utilizing active listening skills, such as paraphrasing what was said and asking clarifying questions, can ensure that both partners feel heard and understood.
Post-Deployment Adjustment
After deployment ends, it is essential for LGBT couples to prioritize post-deployment adjustment. This involves reconnecting with each other, managing any changes in routine, and processing the experiences of deployment together. It may also involve addressing any identity-related issues that arose while deployed, such as internalized homophobia or gender dysphoria. By engaging in meaningful conversations about these topics, partners can build a stronger foundation for coping with future deployments and maintaining resilience over time.
Resilience among LGBT couples navigating high-risk deployments requires a combination of factors, including managing identity-related stressors, accessing social support networks, using effective communication strategies, and prioritizing post-deployment adjustment. By understanding these factors, clinicians working with LGBT individuals and their partners may be better equipped to help them develop resilience and cope with the unique challenges they face during deployment.
What factors contribute to resilience in LGBT couples navigating high-risk deployments?
LGBTQ+ military families are at greater risk of experiencing discrimination and prejudice compared to their heterosexual counterparts due to ongoing societal stigma. Despite this, research has shown that same-sex military families often demonstrate remarkable levels of resilience and coping skills when faced with challenges associated with deployment separations.