Soldiers are trained to carry out their duties despite the emotions they feel, whether it is fear, sadness, anger, confusion, stress, or joy. This ability allows them to maintain focus and perform tasks that may be life-threatening.
It can also lead to emotional distress and even PTSD if left unchecked. To cope with this, some psychological mechanisms help soldiers manage their emotions effectively while staying mission-ready.
One such mechanism is compartmentalization. Soldiers learn to separate their personal lives from their military work, which helps them remain objective during combat operations. This involves creating an imaginary boundary between the two spheres of life, where one remains private and protected while the other is public and open. By keeping these parts separate, soldiers can function without letting negative feelings interfere with their job performance.
Another mechanism is desensitization.
Soldiers become accustomed to difficult situations through training and exposure to violence. They learn to detach themselves emotionally from events that would normally shock them and continue performing their duties without hesitation.
Medical personnel may become numb to blood and gore after witnessing many injuries.
A third mechanism is cognitive restructuring. Through cognitive therapy, soldiers reframe their thoughts about difficult situations. Instead of dwelling on negative emotions, they shift their focus to more positive ones.
A soldier who feels guilty for killing in self-defense might reframe it as necessary to save others' lives.
Soldiers also use social support systems, including family, friends, and peers. These relationships provide comfort, encouragement, and understanding, allowing soldiers to process their emotions in safe spaces outside of work. It is crucial to have someone to talk to about challenges and share experiences, especially those related to war trauma.
Reconciling emotional needs with operational demands requires conscious effort and psychological tools. By compartmentalizing, desensitizing, and reframing, soldiers maintain balance between personal and professional life, leading to better performance and well-being.
What psychological mechanisms allow soldiers to reconcile emotional needs with operational demands?
Soldiers are able to reconcile their emotional needs with operational demands through several psychological mechanisms. Firstly, soldiers may develop a strong sense of self-control and discipline by following strict rules and protocols that govern military operations. This can help them suppress emotions and focus on the task at hand, even when facing potentially dangerous situations.