Emotional suppression is a common strategy that military personnel must employ to maintain mental stability during their service. It entails suppressing negative emotions such as fear, anger, and sadness to avoid emotional breakdown. This practice can have several benefits for soldiers while they are serving, including increased focus, better decision-making skills, and improved resilience.
It can also lead to long-term psychological effects, particularly regarding personality development and interpersonal openness.
One way that emotional suppression impacts soldiers' long-term personality development is by altering how they view themselves and others. When soldiers constantly suppress their feelings, they may become disconnected from their emotional states, making it difficult for them to understand what they need emotionally. As a result, they may struggle to express themselves authentically, leading to difficulty building meaningful relationships with friends, family members, and partners. They may also experience a sense of isolation and loneliness, which can contribute to depression or anxiety.
They may develop rigid thinking patterns, making it challenging to adapt to new situations or try different things.
Another effect of emotional suppression is that it can make soldiers less tolerant of ambiguity and uncertainty. During missions, soldiers face many uncertainties and unknowns, which require quick decision-making under pressure. Suppressing their emotions allows them to focus on the task at hand and not get overwhelmed by stress.
This habit can carry over into civilian life, where ambiguity and complexity are more prevalent. Soldiers may find it challenging to cope with everyday situations because they are used to black and white answers, leaving them feeling frustrated and stressed out. This can negatively affect their mental health and ability to function in society.
Emotional suppression can lead to difficulties regulating one's emotions, both positive and negative. By avoiding certain emotions, soldiers may struggle to recognize and process other people's emotions appropriately.
They may have trouble understanding when someone else is upset or experiencing distress, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts. They may also become numb to positive emotions like joy and happiness, reducing their overall quality of life.
Emotional suppression has long-term effects on soldiers' personality development and interpersonal openness. While it can be beneficial during service, it can also lead to psychological problems if left unchecked. It is crucial for military personnel to understand the potential risks associated with this practice and seek support from a mental health professional if needed.
How does emotional suppression, often necessary on missions, influence soldiers' long-term personality development and interpersonal openness?
Emotional suppression can lead to long-term personality changes and decreased interpersonal openness in military personnel. Research suggests that this behavior may be linked to trauma exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which are common among veterans who have experienced combat situations.