Soldiers are trained to be disciplined professionals who put their country's needs above their own.
They also have their own desires, beliefs, and emotions that can clash with their professional obligations. This conflict is known as cognitive dissonance. How do soldiers cope with this contradiction and how does it affect them personally?
Cognitive dissonance occurs when there is a mismatch between what people think, feel, say, and believe, creating an internal sense of unease or discomfort.
If someone believes violence is wrong but must commit acts of war for their job, they may experience cognitive dissonance. This creates tension and anxiety, which can lead to psychological distress. In addition, soldiers face other pressures such as family separation, financial stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to combat experiences.
There are various strategies that soldiers use to manage cognitive dissonance. Some focus on minimizing their personal needs while maximizing professional ones.
They may suppress their emotions or justify their actions by telling themselves that the mission is necessary for national security. Others may try to reframe their thoughts by focusing on higher-level goals like defending freedom or protecting loved ones. Still, others may seek support from fellow soldiers or mental health counselors to process their feelings.
Managing cognitive dissonance takes time and effort. It requires self-awareness, reflection, and constant adjustment. Soldiers may need to adapt their behavior to fit new situations or change their values over time. They also risk experiencing guilt or shame if they fail to meet their professional responsibilities. These conflicting demands can cause lasting effects on soldiers' wellbeing, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
Managing cognitive dissonance is a complex issue with multiple dimensions. While it can be challenging, effective management is critical for both individual and societal success. By understanding these dynamics, we can better appreciate our military personnel's dedication and sacrifice in defense of our country.
How do soldiers manage the cognitive dissonance between personal needs and professional obligations?
Soldiers can experience cognitive dissonance when there is a conflict between their personal needs and professional obligations. This can lead to feelings of guilt, stress, and frustration. To manage this, they may develop coping strategies such as rationalization, minimizing or ignoring the contradiction, changing beliefs or attitudes towards their job or themselves, and seeking support from others.