How do interpersonal conflicts evolve under the stress of prolonged deployment?
The process of interpersonal conflict evolution involves several stages that can be influenced by many factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, and personality type. When deployed for extended periods of time, soldiers may experience more intense and frequent conflict due to increased exposure to trauma and social isolation from their loved ones. In this article, I will describe these stages and explain how they change under the stress of prolonged deployment.
The first stage is the "trigger" phase, which occurs when something happens that causes tension between two people. This could include an argument about finances, disagreement over parenting decisions, or even simply feeling ignored or unappreciated. It's important to note that triggers are often misunderstandings or miscommunications rather than intentional attempts to cause harm.
During the escalation phase, both parties become increasingly invested in winning the argument and start making accusations or demands. They may raise their voices, make threats, or even engage in physical violence. At this point, it's difficult to back down because pride and ego have taken over.
In the "stalemate" phase, neither party wants to give in but also doesn't want to continue fighting. Neither side feels like they're getting anywhere with their arguments, so they withdraw from each other instead of trying to find a solution. This phase can last days, weeks, or months if left unresolved.
There is resolution, where one party finally makes a concession or compromise that satisfies both sides enough to end the conflict. This can involve apologies, promises to change behavior, or even just agreeing to move on without addressing what caused the conflict in the first place.
When soldiers are deployed for extended periods of time, these stages can be exacerbated by the added stress of being away from loved ones and dealing with trauma-related issues such as PTSD or depression. Without regular communication and support from home, soldiers may feel more isolated and vulnerable, which increases their need to control situations and assert themselves.
Prolonged separation may lead to increased anxiety about maintaining relationships upon return, leading to additional conflicts when they do reunite.
Interpersonal conflicts under prolonged deployment are complex and multifaceted, involving many factors beyond simple misunderstandings. By understanding how these conflicts develop and evolve, we can better prepare ourselves to navigate them productively and effectively when faced with similar challenges in our own lives.
How do interpersonal conflicts evolve under the stress of prolonged deployment?
Interpersonal conflicts can arise when members of the armed forces are deployed for extended periods of time away from their loved ones. The prolonged absence of family members may lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and anxiety, which can cause tension within relationships. In addition, the increased workload and stress associated with military service may make individuals more irritable and easily agitated, leading to arguments and misunderstandings with others.