Soldiers are trained to obey orders from their superiors without question, even if those orders go against their own moral code. This can create an emotional conflict for them that is known as emotional dissonance. Emotional dissonance occurs when there is a contradiction between what someone believes and how they behave.
If a soldier believes it is wrong to kill civilians but is ordered to do so by their commander, this would cause emotional dissonance. How do soldiers manage this conflict?
One way that soldiers cope with emotional dissonance is through compartmentalization. Compartmentalization involves separating different aspects of one's life into separate "compartments" and keeping them separate from each other. In this case, a soldier may separate their personal values and beliefs from their mission objectives. They might tell themselves that their actions on the battlefield are necessary to protect innocent people or serve their country, which helps them feel less guilty about doing something they don't believe in.
Another way that soldiers deal with emotional dissonance is through rationalization. Rationalization involves justifying their behavior by finding reasons why it is acceptable or necessary.
A soldier who kills civilians because they were told to by their superior may try to convince themselves that the civilians posed a threat to their unit or were involved in terrorist activities.
Some soldiers may find ways to reframe their situation in order to make sense of it. Reframing involves changing the way you think about a situation in order to see it differently. A soldier who has killed civilians could reframe their experience by telling themselves that they were only following orders and did not have control over the outcome.
Managing emotional dissonance can be challenging for soldiers.
Many find ways to cope with this challenge by using techniques like compartmentalization, rationalization, and reframing. These strategies help them stay focused on their mission while also preserving their own moral code.
How do soldiers manage emotional dissonance caused by conflicting personal values and mission objectives?
Soldiers must navigate complex moral dilemmas when their personal beliefs conflict with military orders. This can create significant emotional stress, known as "emotional dissonance. " To cope, some soldiers may resort to denial, rationalization, or suppression of their feelings, while others seek support from colleagues or family members who share similar values.