Military service is an important institution that requires individuals to balance their authenticity and conformity in various ways. While it may be necessary for soldiers to act according to strict rules and regulations, they also need to express their unique personalities while maintaining a cohesive team. This article will explore the psychological processes involved in balancing these competing demands.
Authenticity vs. Conformity
Authenticity refers to the degree to which someone's behavior aligns with their true self-concept, values, beliefs, and personality traits. In contrast, conformity involves changing one's behavior to fit into a particular social group. Both are essential components of military service, but they can often come into conflict with each other.
Soldiers must wear uniforms and follow orders from superiors even when they disagree with them.
They may also feel pressure to suppress their individuality or creativity to fit in with their unit.
The Psychology of Balance
To achieve this balance, soldiers must rely on various psychological mechanisms such as cognitive dissonance reduction, self-identity formation, and self-regulation. Cognitive dissonance reduction involves reducing tension between conflicting beliefs or attitudes by adjusting one's beliefs or behaviors. Soldiers may rationalize why following orders makes sense despite not agreeing with them personally. Self-identity formation involves creating a stable and consistent identity based on one's experiences and values. This process allows soldiers to maintain their own identity while adapting to new situations.
Self-regulation involves controlling one's thoughts, emotions, and actions to meet situational requirements. Soldiers must be able to regulate their emotions during high-stress scenarios without compromising their authenticity.
Examples of Balancing Authenticity and Conformity
Soldiers demonstrate balanced authenticity and conformity through many examples.
Some units require soldiers to cut their hair short to conform with regulations, yet allow them to grow a moustache for camouflage purposes. Others may encourage soldiers to participate in group activities that align with their interests while still adhering to protocol.
Some units provide opportunities for soldiers to express themselves artistically or musically outside of military duties, promoting both individual expression and team cohesion.
Challenges and Strategies
Balancing authenticity and conformity can be challenging for soldiers, leading to feelings of isolation, stress, or even PTSD.
Effective strategies can help overcome these challenges. These include seeking support from fellow soldiers, engaging in healthy coping mechanisms, practicing mindfulness, and developing a strong sense of purpose and meaning within the military context.
Successful service requires finding ways to integrate one's unique personality into a larger institutional framework.
What psychological processes are involved in balancing authenticity and conformity in military service?
Authenticity involves being true to oneself while conforming to social norms can involve hiding one's true self to avoid stigma or punishment. Military service requires both of these processes, which may lead to internal conflicts between individual desires and the demands of group membership.