The effects of military service on soldiers' mental health have been well documented.
Less attention has been paid to the role that shared reflection on these experiences plays in building emotional cohesion within units. This article will explore how shared reflection can help create a sense of belonging and trust among unit members, leading to stronger bonds and increased resilience.
Shared reflection refers to the process of discussing and reflecting on past experiences together, whether through conversation or writing. In a military setting, this often includes sharing stories from combat missions, training exercises, or deployments. By discussing their experiences openly and honestly, soldiers are able to build a deeper understanding of one another's perspectives and values, leading to greater empathy and supportiveness.
In addition to fostering empathy, shared reflection also helps soldiers feel more connected to one another. This sense of connection is critical for maintaining morale and motivation during stressful situations. When soldiers know they have each other's backs, they are more likely to perform at their best when facing difficult challenges.
Shared reflection can help soldiers cope with trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by providing an outlet for processing difficult memories. By talking about what happened in detail, soldiers can gain a better understanding of their own reactions and begin to heal from any psychological wounds sustained. It can also help them develop coping mechanisms for dealing with future stressors.
Shared reflection can help soldiers feel more confident in their abilities and mission. By discussing successes and failures together, soldiers learn from one another's mistakes and become better equipped to handle similar situations in the future. They also gain a sense of pride in their unit's accomplishments, which increases their commitment to the group and its goals.
Shared reflection is a powerful tool for building emotional cohesion within military units. By encouraging soldiers to reflect on their experiences together, leaders can create stronger bonds and increase resilience among their members.
In what ways does shared reflection on combat and deployment experiences foster emotional cohesion?
It is generally believed that sharing combat and deployment experiences with fellow soldiers can foster strong emotional bonds and promote feelings of camaraderie among them. This is because such experiences often create a sense of commonality, understanding, and mutual support within a group, which can help individuals to feel connected and supported by their peers (Campbell et al. , 2017).