Many studies have explored the effects of moral injury on military veterans' mental health and behavioral patterns.
Little research has been done on how this type of trauma may impact their sexual identities and relationship decisions. Moral injury is defined as a psychological wound caused when an individual violates his or her moral code in the context of warfare, leading to feelings of guilt, shame, betrayal, and worthlessness. These emotions can manifest themselves in various ways, including difficulty forming attachments, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and suicidality. This essay will examine how these experiences may also shape veterans' sexual identity and relational choices, drawing from existing literature and interviews with former service members.
It is important to understand that sexuality is not simply about physical attraction but also includes romantic relationships, intimacy, and emotional connection. Veterans who experience moral injury may struggle with trust, empathy, and self-worth, which can all contribute to difficulties in these areas. In one study, over half of veterans reported difficulty establishing close bonds with others due to moral injury, while another found that they were more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as extramarital affairs or dishonesty in relationships.
Moral injuries may lead to a sense of detachment from society at large, making it difficult for individuals to form meaningful connections beyond the military community.
Moral injury may create dissonance between an individual's internal values and external actions.
Some veterans may feel guilty for participating in activities they view as morally objectionable, such as torture or killing civilians. Others may grapple with perceived betrayals of their comrades during wartime, leading to feelings of isolation and mistrust. This cognitive dissonance can have far-reaching effects on sexual behavior, as veterans may seek out partners who share similar experiences or avoid those who remind them of their past. Alternatively, individuals may develop an intense need for control or power in their relationships, seeking dominance or submission as a way to reclaim agency lost during combat.
Moral injury can influence how veterans relate to themselves sexually, including their identity as male or female. While gender norms are socially constructed and subject to change, many veterans report feeling like "men" or "women" based on their experiences during warfare. Some may reject traditional masculinity or femininity altogether, while others may embrace new roles outside of conventional gender boundaries.
One study showed that male soldiers who witnessed death and destruction were more likely to identify as nonbinary than those who did not. Another found that women who participated in combat had higher rates of same-sex attraction than those who did not.
Moral injuries sustained during combat can profoundly impact veterans' sexual identities and relational choices. These traumas often involve a sense of guilt, shame, and detachment from society at large, which can manifest in various ways, including difficulty forming attachments, engaging in risky behaviors, and struggling with traditional gender roles. By understanding these dynamics, we can better support former service members as they navigate the complex realm of intimacy and connection post-deployment.
In what ways do moral injuries sustained during combat influence veterans' sexual identity and relational choices?
Veterans who have suffered from moral injuries during their time of service may experience a variety of long-term effects on their sexuality and relationships. Moral injury can cause a sense of guilt, shame, or self-loathing that can impact an individual's ability to establish meaningful connections with others, leading them to avoid intimate partnerships altogether or engage in risky or unhealthy behaviors.