Social support is crucial for building positive relationships and enhancing intimacy in military families. Social support can be defined as "the perception that one is cared for, valued, esteemed, and loved" (Burleson & Samuelson, 1994), which includes both emotional and instrumental forms. Emotional support involves providing comfort, encouragement, affection, and validation to a person, while instrumental support involves offering practical assistance such as transportation, advice, and financial help (Bellamy et al., 2012). These types of support are essential for maintaining healthy relationships because they buffer relational stress and enhance intimacy. Relational stress refers to the tension between individuals' needs and desires, causing negative outcomes such as loneliness, depression, anxiety, and poor mental health (Jaeger & Martin, 2005). Intimacy, on the other hand, is the closeness, connection, and mutual understanding between two people who share a deep level of trust and vulnerability (Cohen, 1986). The military family faces unique challenges due to frequent deployments, long work hours, and constant relocation, resulting in high levels of relational stress and low levels of intimacy.
Social support networks outside the military can positively influence these factors by alleviating stress and promoting closeness.
One way that social support networks buffer relational stress is through reducing stress-induced physiological arousal. When faced with stressful situations, our bodies release hormones such as cortisol, leading to heightened anxiety, irritability, and difficulty regulating emotions (McEwen, 2007). This response has a detrimental impact on relationships, as it causes partners to become distant, argumentative, and distrustful (Fletcher & Simpson, 20004). Social support helps reduce this physiological response by providing a safe space where people feel comfortable expressing their feelings and receiving unconditional love and acceptance from others.
If one partner has experienced trauma during deployment, they may be more sensitive to criticism or feel isolated due to PTSD symptoms (Watson et al., 2013), but having a strong support network makes them feel understood, validated, and supported (Lloyd, 2008).
Social support also enhances intimacy by increasing communication between partners. When individuals receive validation for their thoughts and emotions from others, they are more likely to share them openly without fear of judgment or dismissal (Burleson & Samuelson, 1994). This fosters trust and vulnerability, which leads to deeper connection and understanding (Cohen, 1986).
Sharing experiences with others can lead to empathy and compassion, strengthening bonds between individuals (Goldman et al., 2005).
If the military spouse is feeling lonely or overwhelmed due to frequent moves, having friends who understand their challenges can provide emotional support and help alleviate these stressors (Haney & Immerman, 2017).
Social support networks can buffer relational stress by promoting self-esteem and resilience. Individuals with high self-esteem tend to have better relationships because they feel secure in themselves and confident in their abilities to handle life's challenges (Baumeister et al., 2006). Social support networks provide positive feedback, encouragement, and recognition, which boost self-esteem and improve relationship satisfaction (Fletcher & Simpson, 2004). In addition, people who have strong social ties are more resilient to stressful events like deployments or injuries because they have a network of individuals providing practical assistance and moral support (Krause & McEwen, 2006). Therefore, social support enhances intimacy by creating a sense of security, stability, and optimism that allows partners to overcome adversity together (Lloyd, 2008).
Social support networks play a crucial role in reducing relational stress and enhancing intimacy for military families. By buffering physiological arousal, fostering communication, increasing empathy, and promoting self-esteem and resilience, these networks create safe spaces where partners can express themselves, receive validation, and build deep connections. The military family faces unique challenges due to frequent moves, long hours, and stressful deployments, but social support networks help alleviate these factors, leading to healthier relationships and stronger bonds between individuals.
In what ways do social support networks outside the military buffer relational stress and enhance intimacy?
The social support network outside of the military can help buffer relational stress by providing individuals with a sense of belonging and security that is separate from their military duties. This can be especially helpful during times of deployment or when faced with challenges related to military service. Additionally, the social support provided by friends and family members who are not involved in military life can provide a unique perspective on issues and problems that may be difficult for those within the military to navigate alone.