In a military context, there are often several factors that impact relational patterns between couples prior to deployment. These include but are not limited to length of separation, type of deployment, military culture, communication frequency/methods, age/gender roles, and individual personalities.
What happens when one partner has a unique coping strategy during this time that can disrupt these patterns? How do partners manage these changes to maintain a healthy relationship while their loved ones serve abroad? This article will explore how soldiers' coping strategies may affect pre-deployment relational patterns and provide tips for managing these adjustments.
Background: What is Deployment?
Deployment refers to the process of sending military personnel away from home on active duty. This could involve anything from a few weeks to several months or even years. The length of time varies depending on the mission and location. In some cases, a soldier may be deployed multiple times throughout their career. During deployment, service members must adhere to strict rules and regulations regarding contact with family and friends back home. They may also experience heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and fear.
Soldiers' Coping Strategies:
During deployment, many individuals develop specific coping mechanisms to deal with stressors like separation from loved ones, combat exposure, and lack of control over their environment. Some common strategies include engaging in risk-taking behaviors (e.g., drinking alcohol excessively), avoidance (e.g., ignoring difficult emotions), and emotion-focused coping (e.g., writing letters). These strategies are often effective at reducing immediate distress but can have long-term consequences if used consistently.
They can impact relationships by altering communication styles, sexual intimacy, and overall closeness between couples.
Someone who uses avoidance might shut down during conversations about feelings related to deployment, leading to distance in the relationship. Someone who engages in risky behavior might become less attentive to their partner's needs while home due to substance abuse.
Managing Relational Adjustments:
When soldiers return home after deployment, partners may notice changes in their loved one that were not present before departure. This could include physical injuries or mental health issues resulting from trauma exposure.
It could also involve shifts in personality due to prolonged separation or changed perspectives on life. Regardless of the cause, it is essential for both parties to be open and honest about these changes to maintain a strong bond. Partners should try to understand how their loved one has grown and changed while away and work together to adjust their expectations accordingly. They must communicate effectively, set boundaries, and provide support as needed. It may help to seek professional counseling services or join support groups with other military families going through similar experiences.
How do partners manage relational adjustments when soldiers' coping strategies disrupt pre-deployment relational patterns?
Partners often struggle with relational adjustments during deployment due to various factors such as communication breakdown, loneliness, stressful situations, and changes in routine. When a soldier adopts coping strategies that affect their pre-deployment relational patterns, it can further complicate the situation for both parties involved.