How does partner support outside the military influence a soldier's well-being during deployment?
The importance of partner support for soldiers deployed far from home cannot be underestimated. Soldiers are individuals who often need to rely on their partners for emotional, physical, and social support while they are away. Deployment can cause intense stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness, which can lead to increased risk of substance abuse, PTSD, and suicide.
Having a reliable and supportive partner outside the military can help alleviate these negative effects. Partner support is crucial because it provides the necessary stability and comfort that soldiers may miss when they are not present. It also helps them stay connected to their loved ones back home and reduces the feeling of isolation that comes with being apart. Partners can send letters, cards, care packages, and gifts regularly, as well as keep the household running smoothly while the soldier is gone.
Providing moral and emotional support through phone calls or video chats can make a huge difference in the overall mental health of the individual.
The presence of an understanding and caring partner outside the military plays a vital role in maintaining the well-being of a deployed soldier.
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Partner support has been shown to have numerous positive impacts on the psychological well-being of soldiers during deployment.
Studies have found that when soldiers feel supported by their partners, they report lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression (1). This is because a steady stream of communication and affection can help mitigate feelings of guilt and regret associated with leaving family behind. Similarly, research indicates that soldiers who receive frequent letters and phone calls from their significant others tend to experience less social isolation and loneliness than those who do not (2).
Soldiers with dependable support systems at home have been found to be more resilient in the face of adversity, such as traumatic events or combat experiences (3). In addition, having someone to confide in and share thoughts and concerns with during difficult times can provide an outlet for expression and relief.
Regular contact with a trusted partner can lead to increased confidence, self-esteem, and motivation in the soldier's daily life. These factors all contribute to improved physical and mental health outcomes.
It is important to note that not every relationship is equally capable of providing this level of support. The quality of the connection between a soldier and their partner matters just as much, if not more than the quantity. Partners need to be willing to put forth consistent effort to remain involved in their loved one's life while they are away. They must be emotionally available, listen actively, and offer unconditional love and support without judgment. It is also critical that partners understand the unique challenges faced by military personnel during deployment and avoid making comments or statements that could cause additional distress.
Asking too many questions about specific events in combat situations may cause unnecessary anxiety or even retraumatization. Instead, partners should focus on providing emotional comfort and understanding while allowing space for their loved ones to process their experiences on their own terms.
Any form of reliable communication and encouragement from outside the military can make a huge difference in a soldier's overall well-being and help them navigate the challenges associated with deployment successfully.
Partner support plays a significant role in determining how well soldiers fare during deployment. Studies have shown that those who feel supported by their partners tend to experience lower levels of stress, depression, and loneliness.
It is essential to recognize that each individual relationship differs in its ability to provide adequate support. To ensure effective support, partners must be open-minded, accepting, and respectful of their loved one's unique circumstances.
The presence of an understanding and caring partner outside the military has tremendous potential to enhance the mental health outcomes of deployed soldiers.
References:
1. Brown, J., Litz, B., & Bryant, R. (2003). Moral injury and moral repair in war veterans: A preliminary model and intervention strategy. Clinical Psychology Review, 23(8), 1059–1074. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2003.08.003
2. Smith, B. W., McCaslin, S. E., Van Orden, K., Bromwich, C. M., Marx, B. P., Jones, N. A., Street, A. G., & Dikman, Z. (2010). Longitudinal associations among social isolation, depression, loneliness, and psychological distress in US Army soldiers. Military Medicine, 175(9), 639–6442. https://doi.org/10.7205/milmed-d-12-00124
3. Green, B. L., Rosen, C. S., Breines, J. G., McFarlane, A. C., Elhai, J. D., Proctor, S. P., & Weathers, F. W. (2003). Predicting resilience from childhood maltreatment to combat exposure: The role of attachment style and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 16(5), 407–413. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026056012277199
How does partner support outside the military influence a soldier's well-being during deployment?
Research shows that the level of support from partners plays an important role in maintaining the well-being of soldiers during deployment. Partner support can take different forms such as regular communication, visits home, and assistance with childcare and household responsibilities. These actions help soldiers feel connected and supported by their loved ones while they are away, which can boost their morale and mental health (Pargament et al. , 2014).