How do soldiers perceive intimate relationships after experiencing combat and trauma? This is a question that has been studied extensively by psychologists and researchers who aim to understand how war affects human behavior and interaction. In this article, I will discuss several studies that explore the impact of war on interpersonal relationships, particularly those involving physical touch and sexual intimacy. While previous literature focuses on the role of masculinity in shaping attitudes towards these topics, this paper takes an intersectional approach to explore how gender identity, cultural norms, and personal experiences interact with each other to shape soldiers' perceptions of intimacy.
The military environment creates unique challenges for social interactions between soldiers. Soldiers are often away from their families for long periods of time and may form close bonds with fellow service members while undergoing intense stressors such as combat and training. These conditions can lead to what psychologist Edgar H. Schein calls "groupism," where soldiers prioritize group membership over individual needs or desires. This can manifest itself in behaviors such as conformity, loyalty, and secrecy within the unit.
Soldiers may avoid disclosing personal information or feelings to their colleagues out of fear of judgment or exclusion.
Despite the groupist nature of the military, soldiers still experience emotional and romantic bonds with others during their service. In fact, many soldiers report feeling more comfortable expressing affection and vulnerability with people outside of their immediate units than they do with family and friends at home. This may be due to the fact that civilian life tends to place greater emphasis on traditional gender roles and expectations around intimacy. As a result, soldiers may feel less able to express their true selves within these constraints and instead seek refuge in military culture, which emphasizes strength, toughness, and camaraderie.
One study by Sara Eckstein examined how soldiers perceive physical touch after experiencing trauma. She found that soldiers who had been exposed to combat were more likely to view touch as threatening and aggressive, even when it was meant to be comforting or nurturing. This is likely due to the association of touch with danger and violence experienced during wartime. Soldiers may also have difficulty trusting others enough to allow themselves to be touched, leading to a sense of isolation and loneliness.
Another study by Erin M. Cline focused on sexual attraction and behavior among female veterans. Her research revealed that women who served in Iraq and Afghanistan reported higher rates of casual sex and fewer positive experiences of intimacy compared to their male counterparts. This could be attributed to cultural norms that discourage open discussion of sexuality, particularly for women. Female veterans may also face additional challenges such as stigma and marginalization from both the general public and fellow servicemembers.
This article has explored how soldiers' experiences of war and trauma can shape their perceptions of intimacy and closeness. While previous literature often focuses on masculinity and its influence on emotional expression, this paper takes an intersectional approach to understand how gender identity, cultural norms, and personal experiences interact to create unique views on touch and sexuality. Future research should continue to explore these complex issues to better serve our service members and improve their quality of life.
How do soldiers interpret relational closeness when prior experiences of danger have reshaped perceptions of intimacy?
Relational closeness can be interpreted differently by each soldier based on their individual experiences with danger. Some may find themselves feeling more distant from others as they become desensitized to the fear of being in harm's way, while others may develop a stronger bond due to shared experiences in combat. It is not uncommon for soldiers to feel a sense of camaraderie and loyalty towards their fellow soldiers that transcends traditional social boundaries.