Sexual self-expression is the way people convey their needs and desires to others through physical touching or verbal communication. It can take many forms including kissing, hugging, making love, cuddling, masturbation, flirting, dirty talk, sexting, watching pornography, etc. Post-deployment sexual self-expression refers to how soldiers express themselves after returning from military service.
During deployment, soldiers have to suppress emotions related to survival such as fear, anger, sadness, frustration, loneliness, stress, and anxiety so that they can focus on accomplishing the mission. This suppression leads to an accumulation of negative feelings that need to be released when the soldier returns home. Sexual self-expression is one of the most powerful ways to release these emotions because it involves physical touch, which provides immediate gratification.
There are three main types of post-deployment sexual self-expression: reactive, instrumental, and avoidant. Reactive self-expression happens when a soldier engages in sex immediately after returning home. Instrumental self-expression occurs when a soldier uses sex as a means to achieve something else like power, control, or revenge. Avoidant self-expression takes place when a soldier completely ignores his/her sexual urges.
Reactive self-expression can lead to problems if the soldier becomes overly dependent on sex or risks developing sexually transmitted diseases. Instrumental self-expression can cause psychological damage to partners and make them feel used. Avoidant self-expression deprives both parties of intimacy and can damage relationships.
The best way to manage post-deployment sexual expression is through regular communication with partners about needs, preferences, desires, and boundaries. Soldiers should also seek professional help if they struggle with emotional suppression, depression, trauma, PTSD, substance abuse, or other issues that affect their ability to connect emotionally and physically with others.
How does the need for survival-related emotional suppression influence post-deployment sexual self-expression?
The need for survival-related emotional suppression may affect an individual's sexual self-expression after deployment by making them feel disconnected from their body and the world around them. It can create a sense of numbness and detachment that makes it difficult to experience pleasure or intimacy with others. This can lead to challenges in communication and intimacy, which can further contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness.