Relational Continuity Influences Mental Health Outcomes Among Soldiers During Deployments
As many as half of all military personnel who are deployed to combat zones experience symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) within a few years after returning home from their deployment, according to recent research.
Some experts believe that there may be factors beyond just exposure to trauma that contribute to the development of PTSD. One such factor is relational continuity - the degree to which soldiers maintain connections with family members, friends, and community while they are away from home.
Relational Continuity Defined
Relational continuity refers to the extent to which a person's social relationships remain stable during periods of change or upheaval. In other words, it describes how well someone can stay connected to important people and activities even when faced with challenging circumstances.
If a soldier has strong ties to his spouse, children, and close friends before going on a mission, he may have better mental health outcomes than someone who doesn't have these kinds of connections in place.
The Role of Social Support in Military Life
The military lifestyle can be challenging for both soldiers and their families. Frequent moves, deployments, training exercises, and other demands can make it difficult for service members to maintain meaningful relationships outside of the armed forces. As a result, they may feel isolated and alone, leading to increased risk for depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and other mental health problems. When soldiers do not have supportive relationships at home, they may turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with stress, further exacerbating any existing issues.
Maintaining Connections During Deployment
There are several ways that soldiers can maintain connections with loved ones during deployment. Technology like video chats, text messages, and email allows them to stay in touch even when physically separated by thousands of miles.
Some units have created "virtual family" programs where soldiers can connect with others who share similar experiences. These groups provide emotional support and a sense of community, which can be especially important during times of isolation.
Long-Term Benefits of Relational Continuity
Soldiers who maintain relational continuity while deployed tend to experience fewer symptoms of PTSD after returning home from combat zones. They also report higher levels of life satisfaction, better physical health, and greater overall wellbeing. In addition, research suggests that these benefits extend beyond individual soldiers; children whose parents have good relationships before and during deployments tend to perform better academically and socially than those whose parents lack strong connections.
Mental health outcomes among soldiers are influenced by many factors, including exposure to trauma, social support, and the ability to maintain connections with loved ones during deployment. By focusing on promoting relational continuity both before and during deployments, we can help our service members build resilience and improve their quality of life.
How does relational continuity influence mental health outcomes among soldiers during deployments?
Relational continuity refers to the degree of social connection between an individual and their family members before and after deployment. Mental health outcomes are often negatively affected by prolonged periods away from loved ones and lack of communication during deployment. When soldiers experience high levels of relational continuity with family and friends, they are more likely to have positive mental health outcomes such as reduced stress, anxiety, and depression.