Sexual support refers to physical contact and communication between romantic partners that may include sexual activities, such as kissing, touching, massage, hugging, and more. Sexual support is essential for couples during military deployments because it can help foster emotional regulation, moral alignment, and relational trust. Deployment stress can lead to high levels of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and low self-esteem among service members, but sexual support can be used as an effective tool for coping with these negative emotions.
Emotional Regulation
Sexual support is often associated with increased feelings of wellbeing and decreased stress levels among service members who are deployed away from their significant others. This is because sexual contact releases oxytocin, which promotes positive mood and reduces cortisol levels. Oxytocin also helps individuals feel more connected to their partner and less alone, which can reduce anxiety. In addition, sexual activity increases heart rate variability, which has been shown to correlate with improved cognitive functioning and lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Sexual support during deployment can therefore provide a powerful way for individuals to manage their emotions and promote overall health.
Moral Alignment
The effects of deployment on morale and ethical decision making are significant, especially when soldiers are placed in high-risk situations.
Sexual support during deployment can help reinforce moral alignment by increasing feelings of connection and intimacy between partners. Sexual activity induces the release of dopamine, which can improve memory and attention and may enhance the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
Sexual support is linked to greater satisfaction in relationships, which contributes to stronger commitment and loyalty to one's partner.
Relational Trust
Sexual support fosters relational trust through increased communication and understanding. During deployments, couples may struggle with miscommunication and misunderstandings due to distance and time differences.
Sexual activities such as roleplaying or sharing fantasies can facilitate open dialogue about desires and needs, allowing couples to better understand each other's perspectives. Sexual support also creates opportunities for bonding and intimacy that strengthen the relationship over time.
Sexual support is an important tool for military personnel facing deployment stress. It can promote emotional regulation, increase moral alignment, and build relational trust. By incorporating sexuality into their relationships, service members can cope with the challenges of being away from loved ones and maintain strong connections that will benefit them both personally and professionally.
To what extent does sexual support foster emotional regulation, moral alignment, and relational trust under deployment stress?
Sexual support is defined as "a form of affection that involves touching one's partner for arousal and pleasure," and it may have various effects on individuals' well-being during times of deployment stress.