How do sexual relationships shape social bonding, moral integrity, and psychological adaptation among deployed army couples?
The current research has focused primarily on the effects of deployments on marital satisfaction and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but there is growing interest in examining how military deployment affects the couple's sexual relationship. Deployment creates unique challenges for maintaining intimate connections that can result in decreased frequency of sexual activity and increased tension between partners. There are several factors that can contribute to changes in sexual behavior during deployments, including physical separation, emotional distress due to fear for one's partner's safety, and the need to establish new routines.
Frequent deployments may lead to a decrease in trust and communication in the marriage, which can also have an impact on sexual relationships. This article will explore these topics as well as others related to the sexual lives of army couples.
Physical Separation:
When a spouse is away on deployment, it can be difficult to maintain regular contact, leading to less intimacy and fewer opportunities for sex. In addition, communication about sexual desires and needs becomes more challenging when the couple is physically separated. As a result, some couples may become frustrated or develop resentment towards their partner.
This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, further exacerbating any existing issues within the relationship. Some couples find ways to stay connected through technology or scheduled video calls, while others rely on letters and emails.
These methods do not always provide the same level of closeness as being together in person.
Emotional Distress:
Fear for one's partner's safety can cause stress and anxiety, which can manifest itself in many ways, including reduced libido and difficulty achieving orgasm. The constant worry about whether one's partner is safe can lead to sleeplessness, irritability, and depression. This can make it difficult to enjoy sex even if both partners are willing and able. Emotions such as anger, guilt, and jealousy can also interfere with intimacy during deployment, particularly if one partner has been unfaithful before deploying. These emotions can create distance between partners and make it harder to connect emotionally.
New Routines:
Deployment often requires soldiers to adjust to new schedules and routines that differ from what they had back home. This can disrupt daily life and interfere with usual activities like sex. When the soldier returns home, he or she must readjust to family life again, creating additional stressors for the relationship.
Changes in routine due to military life can impact how couples interact physically and emotionally, which can affect sexual relationships.
Changes in Trust and Communication:
When a spouse is deployed, communication becomes more challenging. It may be difficult to trust your partner when you don't know where they are or what they are doing, leading to doubts and suspicions. This can cause tension within the marriage, making it hard to feel connected and open up to each other emotionally. Some couples find that they need to work harder to communicate effectively during this time, while others struggle to maintain connection at all. Without regular contact, couples may become distant and disconnected over time.
Sexual relationships play an important role in shaping social bonding, moral integrity, and psychological adaptation among army couples. Deployments can lead to reduced physical intimacy, increased anxiety, difficulty communicating needs and desires, and decreased feelings of closeness and trust. Couples should prioritize staying connected despite these challenges by using technology or other means to maintain emotional intimacy. With proper support and understanding, these issues can be addressed and resolved, allowing for healthy sexual relationships even during deployment.
How do sexual relationships shape social bonding, moral integrity, and psychological adaptation among deployed army couples?
In times of deployment, sexual intimacy can be a key component of maintaining strong and meaningful connections between soldiers and their partners. The physical and mental closeness that comes with sexual activity has been shown to facilitate greater feelings of attachment and commitment, while also providing an outlet for stress relief during periods of high tension and anxiety.