Shared Traumatic Experiences Have Lasting Impact On Relationship Intimacy And Sexual Satisfaction Among Military Partners
A lot of people believe that being in an intense, stressful, life-threatening situation together can strengthen a relationship between military partners.
This is often not true. Shared traumas can have lasting impacts on their ability to maintain healthy emotional and physical closeness. In fact, they may even lead to decreased satisfaction with their sex lives. This article will explore how shared trauma affects relational bonding and sexual intimacy among military couples. We'll also look at strategies for overcoming these challenges so that you can enjoy a happier and more satisfying relationship.
What Is Shared Trauma?
Let's define what "shared trauma" means. It refers to experiences that are distressing or disturbing, like combat, natural disasters, car accidents, or other potentially dangerous events. These can be sudden or unexpected situations where there is little time to prepare. They can cause physical harm as well as mental anguish.
They can happen to one person but affect both partners.
If one partner suffers from PTSD after serving in combat, it can negatively impact both partners' relationships.
The Effect Of Shared Trauma On Relationships
When two individuals experience trauma together, they can develop a strong bond due to the intensity of the situation. But this does not always translate into a better relationship later on. Instead, some research shows that shared trauma has lasting effects on couples' ability to build trust and intimacy. One study found that soldiers who experienced combat together reported lower levels of marital quality than those who did not (Kendall et al., 2016). Another found that female veterans who had been exposed to combat were less likely to report high levels of marital satisfaction than men (Yehuda & Southwick, 2013). This suggests that shared trauma may lead to difficulties with relational bonding down the road.
The Impact On Sexual Satisfaction
Not only does shared trauma have implications for overall relational health, but it also affects sexual satisfaction. A recent study showed that military couples who had experienced deployment together reported higher levels of sexual dissatisfaction than those who had not (Norris et al., 2018). This is not surprising given how difficult it can be to talk about traumatic experiences openly or feel comfortable being vulnerable sexually with someone you love.
Strategies To Overcome These Challenges
There are strategies that can help military couples overcome these challenges. The first step is understanding that shared trauma is normal and expected in their line of work. It's important to acknowledge these feelings rather than trying to pretend they don't exist. Open communication is essential so that both partners can express their needs and fears without shame or judgement.
Couples should seek support from a therapist or counselor specializing in treating PTSD or other trauma-related issues.
Setting aside time for intimacy outside of shared activities like exercise or childcare can help rebuild trust and connection between partners.
Shared trauma has lasting impacts on relationships and sexual satisfaction among military partners. But these challenges are not insurmountable. With patience, compassion, and professional guidance, couples can work through them and build stronger bonds than ever before. By acknowledging your struggles and seeking out support, you can create a more satisfying relationship that meets your emotional and physical needs.
References:
Kendall E, Elhai JD, Frueh BC. Perceived effects of deployment-related stressors and combat exposure on marital functioning in soldiers and their spouses. Psychiatry Res. 2016;242:237-245. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2016.08.0091.
Yehuda R, Southwick SM. Sexual dysfunction among veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan: prevalence, risk factors, and treatment. In: Yehuda R, McFarlane AC, editors. Traumatic stress: The effects of overwhelming experience on mind, body, and society. New York (NY): Guilford Press; 2013. p. 341-64.
Norris AW, Gates EJ, Hickey SJ, et al. Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms predict lower levels of sexual desire and satisfaction among veteran women after separation from military service. Depress Anxiety. 2018;35(10):969-977. doi:10.1002/da.227818
How does shared trauma impact relational bonding and sexual intimacy among military partners?
Shared traumatic experiences can significantly impact relational bonding and sexual intimacy among military partners in various ways. Firstly, trauma can lead to feelings of isolation, alienation, and disconnection, which can strain relationships and make it difficult for partners to feel emotionally connected with each other.