In this study, I sought to understand how soldiers' experiences in combat impact their ability to establish close relationships outside of the military environment. Previous research suggests that soldiers who have experienced trauma often struggle with emotional regulation and communication, which can lead to difficulties forming meaningful connections with others.
There is limited research exploring how these factors influence the development of relational closeness within civilian relationships. To address this gap, I conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 veterans from various branches of service who had been deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. The participants were asked about their perceptions of relational closeness before and after deployment, as well as how they currently view intimacy in their personal lives. This analysis will explore the findings of this study and consider implications for understanding the psychology of traumatic stress and its effects on interpersonal relationships.
One key finding was that soldiers perceived physical distance differently following deployment. Before their deployments, many participants reported feeling comfortable with physical contact in romantic and sexual relationships. After experiencing trauma, however, many struggled to establish intimate touch without fearing repercussions. They found themselves hypervigilant around those they loved, seeking to avoid potential triggers or confrontations. One participant explained, "I'm not really comfortable holding hands anymore. It makes me feel like I'm vulnerable." Another said, "I just don't want people too close. it makes me tense up because I feel like they might hurt me again." These responses suggest that soldiers may need more time and space to build trust in new relationships after deployment.
The participants also described a shift in their views on emotional closeness. Prior to their military experiences, most felt secure expressing love and affection openly, but some reported difficulty doing so after combat exposure. One participant noted, "It's hard to show feelings because you never know what could happen. You have to be careful who you let in." Another added, "You get used to suppressing emotions, which makes it harder to open up later." These difficulties highlight the importance of developing healthy coping strategies to manage trauma-related symptoms and improve relational outcomes.
This study provides valuable insights into how trauma can impact veterans' ability to form close relationships outside of the military environment. By exploring these findings further, we can better understand the psychology of PTSD and its effects on interpersonal connections. This research could inform treatment approaches for individuals struggling with relationship challenges post-deployment and provide guidance for families and friends supporting veterans as they navigate civilian life.
How do soldiers interpret relational closeness when prior exposure to life-threatening situations has reshaped their understanding of intimacy?
Soldiers may have different interpretations of relational closeness after experiencing life-threatening situations. Some may see it as an opportunity for deeper connection with others who share similar experiences, while others may feel more distant from loved ones who haven't gone through the same trauma. This can be due to changes in personality, such as increased risk-taking behavior or hypervigilance, which may cause them to withdraw emotionally.