The effects of deployment can be seen on both individuals and their relationships. For many couples, it is difficult to maintain their relationship when one partner is away for an extended period of time. Deployment separates families from each other, causing stress, loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Some studies suggest that this emotional distance may lead to changes in how couples communicate with each other after reuniting and even affect their ability to form new romantic bonds.
Prolonged separation during deployment has been shown to impact veterans' capacity for emotional attunement with partners. This means that they have difficulty understanding and responding appropriately to their partner's needs and feelings, which can lead to misunderstandings, arguments, and ultimately, dissatisfaction in the relationship. Veterans who have experienced prolonged deployments often struggle with trust issues, intimacy problems, and feeling disconnected from their loved ones. The physical absence of a partner can make it hard to connect emotionally, while fears about abandonment or death can create additional barriers.
When veterans return home from deployment, they may feel like they are strangers to their partners, as if they no longer know how to relate to them. They may also find themselves struggling to read social cues, such as body language or facial expressions, which can further complicate communication. As a result, veterans may become more withdrawn or avoidant in their relationships, leading to increased conflict and tension.
This can be especially challenging for spouses or significant others who were not present during the deployment but must now adjust to life with their returning partner. These individuals may feel left out or unsupported, which can strain the relationship further. It is essential for both partners to work together to address these issues and build a strong foundation for the future.
In order to help veterans cope with the effects of prolonged separation, couples counseling is an excellent option. A skilled therapist can provide guidance on how to navigate this difficult time and rebuild trust and intimacy. Couples may benefit from practicing active listening skills, setting boundaries, and engaging in mutual problem-solving. They should also prioritize quality time together, whether it's date nights, weekend getaways, or simply taking walks together.
It is important to remember that every couple is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution to this issue.
By working together and seeking support when needed, military families can strengthen their bonds and overcome the challenges of deployment.
How does prolonged separation during deployment affect veterans' capacity for emotional attunement with partners?
Separation from loved ones can be a major source of stress for military personnel during deployments. The prolonged absence of their partner may lead to difficulty in regulating mood and emotion which in turn may have an adverse effect on their capacity for emotional attunement. Research suggests that those who experience frequent separations tend to have lower levels of attachment security compared to others who are not deployed as often (Hendrickx et al. , 2018).