Sexuality is an important aspect of human experience that encompasses physical, emotional, social, cultural, and psychological dimensions. Sexual experiences are often shaped by personal beliefs, values, attitudes, desires, and interactions with others.
Military service can disrupt these factors due to various reasons such as separation from family and friends, exposure to stressful situations, and traumatic events. This article discusses how soldiers reconstruct their sexual identity after experiencing combat, moral injury, or trauma. It explores the impact of these experiences on their relationships with themselves, partners, and families, and strategies for coping with sexual issues.
Combat exposure and moral injuries have been shown to negatively affect soldier's perception of self and others. Soldiers may feel guilty about killing, experiencing horrific things, being responsible for causing death, feeling betrayed by superiors, or violating their principles and morals. These feelings can lead to distrust, anger, shame, and isolation, which may interfere with intimacy in relationships. In addition, PTSD symptoms such as hyperarousal, avoidance, and numbing may also contribute to sexual dysfunction. The resulting changes in sexual behaviors can cause relationship strains, divorce, and mental health problems.
Sexual Identity and Trauma
Military sexual assault (MSA) is another factor that can affect a soldier's sexual identity. MSA survivors may develop negative attitudes toward sex, lose trust in others, and experience emotional distress during intimate encounters. They may also struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Such effects can make it challenging for them to maintain satisfying relationships, especially if they are not addressed through counseling and treatment.
Relationship Reconstruction
After experiencing combat, moral injury, or trauma, soldiers must reconstruct their sexual identities and relationships. This process involves acknowledging the past experiences, accepting responsibility for actions, seeking professional help, and engaging in activities that promote healing. One approach is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and increase self-confidence. CBT can be combined with other techniques like mindfulness meditation, yoga, and art therapy to achieve better outcomes.
Coping Strategies
Soldiers can use several coping strategies to deal with sexual issues after military service. These include communication, empathy, patience, openness, honesty, positivity, and humor. By communicating effectively with partners about their feelings, needs, and desires, soldiers can build trust and intimacy. Empathizing with each other can help create a safe space where both parties feel heard and understood. Patience and understanding can help partners navigate difficult situations without judgment or blame. Openly discussing past experiences can facilitate healing and closure. Humor can lighten up tense moments and promote bonding.
Sexuality is an essential aspect of human experience that is impacted by military service. Combat exposure, moral injuries, and traumas can cause psychological damage and affect soldier's perception of self and others. Reconstruction of sexual identity and relationship requires personal reflection, professional treatment, and positive coping strategies. Through these interventions, soldiers can overcome negative effects of combat and lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
How do soldiers reconstruct sexual and relational identity after experiencing combat, moral injury, or trauma?
Soldiers may experience difficulties in rebuilding their sexual and relational identities after experiencing combat, moral injury, or trauma due to various factors such as changes in self-perception, fear of intimacy, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD can lead to feelings of hypervigilance, avoidance, and numbness, making it difficult for soldiers to connect with others emotionally.