What is the research about?
The study investigated how soldiers' experiences of humor and playfulness can influence their perceptions of the stressors associated with military deployments. Specifically, it focused on understanding how these activities could potentially buffer against negative impacts on sexual and relational functioning. To this end, the authors surveyed a sample of active-duty U.S. Army personnel who had recently completed combat tours abroad.
How did the researchers measure humor and playfulness?
To assess participants' levels of humor and playfulness during deployment, the researchers used standardized questionnaires that measured their frequency and intensity of engaging in various playful behaviors such as telling jokes, playing pranks, and laughing together with others. These scales were then compared to the soldiers' reports of perceived stress related to their relationships and sex lives while deployed.
What was the overall pattern of results?
The findings indicated that soldiers who engaged in more humor and playfulness during deployment reported experiencing less distress related to their romantic partnerships and sexuality. In fact, those who scored high on measures of both humor and playfulness exhibited significantly lower levels of stress than those who only engaged in one or neither behavior. This suggests that humor and playfulness may serve as protective factors for soldiers' emotional well-being during times of high stress.
What are some possible explanations for these results?
One potential explanation for the positive effect of humor and playfulness is that they help regulate negative emotions by providing an outlet for stress relief. By allowing individuals to laugh and have fun despite difficult circumstances, these behaviors can help them maintain psychological resilience and avoid burnout.
Engaging in playful activities may foster social connection and support among comrades, which could further buffer against feelings of isolation and loneliness associated with deployment.
In what ways does humor and playfulness buffer against sexual and relational stress during deployment?
Psychologically, humor and playfulness can help mitigate feelings of stress during deployment by creating a sense of social connectedness and shared experiences that are often lost due to physical separation. This can be especially important for maintaining positive relationships with partners, family members, friends, and colleagues back home who may feel disconnected from their deployed loved one's experience.