Resilience is a person's ability to overcome stressful situations and bounce back from adversities. Resilience can be defined as the capacity to thrive despite difficulties, challenges, and setbacks. In the context of military service, resilience refers to the ability of personnel to cope with traumatic events such as combat experiences, multiple deployments, and separation from loved ones. Many studies have shown that resilience plays an important role in mental health outcomes for LGBT service members. Research indicates that LGBT individuals face greater risk of developing mental health issues due to repeated exposure to discrimination and prejudice within the military environment.
Some LGBT soldiers are able to remain mentally stable even after experiencing numerous deployments. This paper will explore the psychological processes supporting resilience in LGBT service members facing repeated deployments.
One of the psychological processes that supports resilience among LGBT service members is social support. Social support refers to the help or assistance provided by friends, family, colleagues, and other members of society. Social support has been identified as one of the key predictors of resilience in various populations, including veterans. It involves emotional, instrumental, informational, appraisal, and esteem-building components. Studies show that LGBT service members who receive adequate social support tend to exhibit higher levels of resilience than those without it. This could be because social support provides them with a sense of belonging, love, acceptance, security, and comfort that helps them cope with stressful situations.
When facing deployment anxiety, LGBT soldiers who feel supported by their partner or family members may experience less distress compared to those who do not.
Social support can provide information about how to manage stressful situations effectively.
Another psychological process that promotes resilience among LGBT soldiers is self-efficacy. Self-efficacy refers to an individual's belief in their abilities to succeed in specific tasks or activities. Research suggests that individuals with high levels of self-efficacy tend to perform better in challenging situations. Similarly, studies have shown that LGBT soldiers with high self-efficacy are more likely to cope well with multiple deployments compared to those with low self-efficacy. This could be because self-efficacy allows individuals to believe they can handle difficult situations effectively, which leads to positive outcomes such as resilience.
Self-efficacy can be developed through training programs, feedback from superiors, and practice. Therefore, military organizations should invest in programs aimed at enhancing the self-efficacy of LGBT personnel.
Resilience among LGBT service members is promoted by optimism. Optimism is a positive attitude towards life characterized by hope, confidence, and enthusiasm. Studies indicate that optimistic individuals tend to exhibit higher levels of resilience than pessimistic ones. Optimism enables individuals to view adversities as temporary setbacks instead of permanent obstacles. It also helps them focus on solutions rather than problems, leading to successful outcomes. In the context of military service, optimism can help LGBT soldiers overcome repeated deployments and separation from loved ones. Military organizations can promote optimism among personnel through workshops, seminars, and counseling sessions focused on positivity, hope, and resilience-building strategies.
Resilience in LGBT service members can be supported by meaningful engagement in activities outside military duties. Engaging in hobbies, sports, social events, and volunteer work can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment that promotes resilience. Such activities have been shown to enhance self-esteem, reduce stress, and increase feelings of well-being.
When deployed multiple times, LGBT soldiers who participate in charity work may experience less anxiety compared to those without such involvement. Therefore, military organizations should encourage their personnel to engage in various recreational and volunteering activities to support their mental health and promote resilience.
Psychological processes such as social support, self-efficacy, optimism, and engagement in activities beyond military duties contribute to resilience among LGBT service members facing repeated deployments. These factors can be leveraged by military organizations to improve the mental health of their personnel. By providing adequate social support, enhancing self-efficacy, encouraging optimism, and facilitating participation in extracurricular activities, military organizations can promote resilience among their LGBT personnel and ensure they are prepared for any challenges ahead.
What psychological processes support resilience in LGBT service members facing repeated deployments?
Psychological factors play an important role in supporting resilience among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) service members during repeated deployments. Research has shown that individuals who have strong self-esteem, positive relationships with others, and feel a sense of belonging are more likely to be resilient in challenging situations.