Emotional and Relational Adjustments during Role Transitions between Partner and Soldier
Transitions between roles are common in military life, particularly when a service member switches from being a partner to a soldier or vice versa.
These changes can bring about several challenges that may affect both parties' emotions and relationships.
When one person transitions from being a civilian to a soldier, they often experience significant lifestyle adjustments that may impact their feelings. They might struggle with adapting to new routines, miss family and friends back home, and have trouble connecting with their fellow soldiers. This can lead to increased stress levels, anxiety, depression, and isolation - all of which can negatively impact their relationship with their partner. Conversely, partners who must adjust to a spouse leaving for military service may experience similar difficulties but also face additional stressors such as uncertainty regarding when their loved one will return or if they will be safe while deployed. Such emotional challenges can strain relationships and even lead to breakups in some cases.
Role transitions between partners and soldiers can alter the dynamics of the relationship itself, leading to conflict, tension, and resentment.
Partners may become more distant due to the demands of military service, leading to arguments and misunderstandings. Likewise, soldiers may feel disconnected from their families, leading to increased anger, irritability, and withdrawal from intimacy. These factors can erode trust, communication, and mutual respect within the couple.
Changing roles between partners and soldiers can also trigger feelings of betrayal, jealousy, or abandonment, which further complicate matters. Partners may perceive their soldier's job as a threat to their relationship, leading to mistrust or suspicion. Soldiers may feel guilty about prioritizing their duties over their partners' needs, causing them to neglect their partner emotionally.
To cope with these challenges, both parties should communicate openly, express their feelings honestly, and work together on solutions that meet everyone's needs. They should also seek counseling or therapy if necessary and find support groups where they can connect with others facing similar issues.
They should maintain routines, rituals, and traditions to reinforce their connection despite distance or other obstacles. By being proactive in adjusting to new circumstances, couples can navigate this transition successfully and emerge stronger than ever before.
How do role transitions between “partner” and “soldier” impact emotional and relational adjustment?
Transitioning from a romantic partner to a soldier can be difficult for individuals who have previously experienced a secure and stable relationship with their significant other. The shift from a close and intimate bond to one that is characterized by distance and separation may result in a sense of loneliness and disconnection (Lee et al. , 2018).