Soldiers are required to maintain several identities simultaneously - their role as a soldier, gender roles, personal values and beliefs, family responsibilities, and social expectations. This is further complicated by the fact that they may have multiple partners during their service. The military's strict policies on sexual conduct can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and isolation when these rules conflict with personal values and societal norms. It also makes it difficult for soldiers to form healthy relationships outside the military environment due to fear of being stigmatized or judged negatively. Integrating all these identities requires emotional resilience and moral reasoning skills which may be challenging, especially under stressful conditions.
One study found that soldiers who had higher levels of emotional resilience were better able to cope with the demands of military life, including sexual behavior. Those who lacked this ability tended to experience greater psychological distress, leading them to engage in riskier behaviors such as unprotected sex or promiscuity. Other research suggests that intimate relational identity plays an important role in shaping how soldiers view themselves and others, influencing their perception of morality.
Soldiers may feel more comfortable sharing information about their sexual activities if they perceive themselves as having a strong intimate relationship with another person.
The integration of military identity and intimate relational identity has been linked to changes in sexual behavior among soldiers, particularly during deployment. Soldiers who identified strongly with both identities tended to report increased rates of infidelity, risky behavior, and casual encounters compared to those who did not. Some studies suggest that this is because soldiers may use sex as a means of coping with stress or boredom while away from home. Others argue that these changes are simply a reflection of the different social norms that exist within the military versus civilian environments.
Integrating multiple identities can present significant challenges for soldiers, but it also provides opportunities for growth and development. By developing emotional resilience and a strong sense of self-worth, soldiers can navigate these complexities successfully and maintain healthy relationships both inside and outside the military.
How does the integration of military identity and intimate relational identity shape soldiers' moral reasoning, sexual behavior, and emotional resilience?
The integration of military identity and intimate relational identity shapes soldiers' moral reasoning, sexual behavior, and emotional resilience by influencing their sense of self, social expectations, and cultural norms. The military training and experiences can affect their understanding of morality and ethics, leading to different attitudes towards violence, warfare, and interpersonal relationships.