Long-Term Effects of Sexual Neglect During Extended Deployments
The United States military has a long history of deploying its personnel for months or years at a time to serve in faraway lands. In recent decades, these deployments have become more frequent, longer, and more intense, often involving combat situations that require soldiers to leave their families behind for prolonged periods. This can lead to feelings of isolation, stress, anxiety, and depression, which are all known to negatively impact mental health.
There is another potential consequence that is less well understood: sexual neglect.
Sexual neglect refers to a lack of physical or emotional intimacy between partners during extended separations. It can take many forms, from simply going without sex to engaging in other activities but failing to connect emotionally. When couples are apart for long periods of time, they may also experience a sense of disconnection from each other, making it difficult to communicate effectively when they do reunite.
Research suggests that sexual neglect can have lasting effects on relationships. One study found that men who reported lower levels of sexual satisfaction while deployed were more likely to divorce within five years than those who did not. Another study showed that women who engaged in fewer sexual behaviors during deployment experienced higher levels of relationship dissatisfaction after returning home.
There are several reasons why this might be the case. First, sexual neglect can lead to feelings of rejection, resentment, and frustration among both partners. Second, it can erode trust and communication within a relationship, as both partners may feel that they are unable to meet each other's needs. Third, it can create distance and tension, leading to a greater sense of alienation and loneliness.
It can contribute to low self-esteem and negative body image issues, particularly for women who may feel pressured to maintain an idealized appearance even if their partner is absent.
In terms of solutions, couples can work together to maintain intimacy and connection despite being separated. This can involve setting aside dedicated time for phone calls or video chats, sharing personal thoughts and experiences, and expressing affection through letters or emails. It can also involve creating new rituals and routines that bring the couple closer together, such as exchanging handwritten notes or sending small gifts.
It requires patience, effort, and understanding on both sides to overcome the challenges posed by extended deployments.
What are the long-term effects of sexual neglect during extended deployments?
Sexual neglect can lead to various consequences that may last for an extended period of time, depending on the severity and frequency of the neglect. Individuals who experience prolonged periods of abstinence from sexual activity may experience changes in their brain chemistry, which could potentially impact their mood and behavior over time. Additionally, feelings of isolation, loneliness, and depression may occur due to lack of physical intimacy and connection with others.