What is the Relationship Between Emotional Expressiveness and Perceived Partner Support in Military Couples?
In military couples, emotional expressiveness refers to how individuals communicate their thoughts, feelings, and experiences verbally and nonverbally with each other. It involves active listening, open communication, and a willingness to share personal struggles and triumphs. On the other hand, perceived partner support is the perception that one's partner provides emotional, physical, and practical assistance when needed. This includes providing encouragement, validation, and comfort during difficult times. The relationship between these two factors has been studied extensively among civilian populations but remains largely unexplored in military couples.
Studies suggest that military couples experience unique challenges that can impact their ability to express themselves emotionally and receive support from their partners.
Frequent deployments can lead to long periods of separation, which can cause stress, anxiety, and depression.
Military service may increase feelings of isolation and loneliness due to the demands of duty, training, and deployment. These factors may make it more challenging for military members to feel comfortable sharing their emotions or seeking help from their partners.
Research also suggests that military couples who prioritize open communication and supportive behaviors can strengthen their relationships and improve their mental health outcomes.
One study analyzed the relationships between emotional expressiveness, perceived partner support, and marital satisfaction in 501 military spouses using a survey-based questionnaire. The results showed that higher levels of emotional expressiveness were associated with greater marital satisfaction, while higher levels of perceived partner support were associated with lower levels of distress. In particular, participants reported feeling supported by their partners when they expressed their fears and concerns about deployment or family life.
Another study examined the relationships between emotional expressiveness and perceived partner support among 183 military couples using an intervention program called "Couple Communication Strategies." This program focused on improving communication skills, problem-solving strategies, and conflict resolution techniques. Results indicated that couples who improved their communication styles reported increased emotional intimacy and support. Specifically, military wives who felt heard and understood by their husbands during difficult times were more likely to view them as emotionally supportive partners.
The relationship between emotional expressiveness and perceived partner support appears complex in military couples. While frequent deployments and other stressors may impact this dynamic, strong communication and support behaviors can promote positive outcomes. Military couples should work together to cultivate a safe space for open communication and mutual support, allowing them to build resilience and maintain healthy relationships despite challenges.
What is the relationship between emotional expressiveness and perceived partner support in military couples?
Military couples who exhibit greater levels of emotional expressiveness report higher levels of perceived partner support compared to those with lower levels of emotional expressiveness. This has been supported by research findings that have linked greater emotional expressivity to increased communication quality, which in turn, promotes partner support in military relationships (e. g. , Schuster et al. , 2018).