Moral and Ethical Stress in Combat
Combat can create unique emotional and psychological challenges for soldiers that are different from civilian life. One such challenge is the moral and ethical stress experienced during battle, which can have far-reaching effects on their personal lives. This article will explore how moral and ethical stress experienced in combat influences relational trust, intimacy, and sexual satisfaction.
Relational Trust
During combat, soldiers must make difficult decisions in high-pressure situations. These decisions may involve killing others or engaging in actions that go against societal norms. As a result, they experience guilt, shame, fear, and anxiety. The guilt and shame from these actions can damage their sense of self-worth, causing them to feel unworthy of love and trust. This can lead to difficulties forming healthy relationships outside of combat, as they struggle to trust themselves and others. When entering into romantic relationships, this distrust can manifest as suspicion, jealousy, and mistrust. They may have difficulty communicating openly and honestly due to their experiences in combat. This lack of communication can be detrimental to relationship development and maintenance.
Intimacy
The moral and ethical stress experienced in combat can also impact intimacy. Soldiers who have participated in violent acts may find it difficult to connect with their partners physically or emotionally. They may become distant, cold, and avoidant, creating distance between themselves and their partner.
PTSD symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance can interfere with their ability to fully engage in the present moment, making intimacy challenging. Sexual dysfunction is common among those suffering from PTSD, including erectile dysfunction and decreased libido. These issues can further hinder intimacy and erode the bond between partners.
Sexual Satisfaction
Moral and ethical stress experienced in combat can affect sexual satisfaction. Soldiers may feel guilty about their actions during battle, leading to difficulty achieving arousal and orgasm. This can negatively impact both partners' enjoyment of sex, causing dissatisfaction and resentment. It can also cause soldiers to view sex as a way to escape from reality rather than an act of love and connection. Combat veterans may struggle with intimacy and desire disorders, including low-libido, porn addiction, and other compulsive behaviors that interfere with healthy relationships. This can lead to feelings of shame and isolation, exacerbating the problem.
In what ways does moral and ethical stress experienced in combat influence relational trust, intimacy, and sexual satisfaction?
Moral and ethical stress experienced during military conflict can have significant effects on relationships both inside and outside of the battlefield, impacting the dynamics of interpersonal connection, intimacy, and even sexual desire between individuals. Specifically, trauma from warfare can lead to increased feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation, which may manifest as difficulty with forming strong bonds with others (Burgess et al. , 2017).