Emotional resilience is the ability to cope effectively with stressors that life throws at you. This includes being able to bounce back from negative experiences and maintain a positive outlook. When one partner in a relationship has higher emotional resilience than the other, it can lead to relational asymmetries. These are imbalances in power, control, or responsibility within the relationship. In this article, we will explore how differences in emotional resilience between partners create relational asymmetries after deployment.
When a person is deployed, they often experience significant changes in their daily routine. They may be away from home for extended periods of time, facing dangerous situations, and dealing with intense emotions. This can put a strain on their mental health and relationships. Those who are less emotionally resilient may struggle more than those who have greater emotional resilience.
If one partner in a relationship lacks emotional resilience, they may feel more vulnerable during deployment. They may become anxious or depressed and require extra support from their partner.
If both partners have low levels of emotional resilience, they may struggle together and not be able to cope well. If one partner is highly resilient while the other is not, there may be an uneven distribution of responsibilities. The more resilient partner may feel burdened by taking on additional caregiving tasks.
Differences in emotional resilience can also affect communication between partners. Those with lower resilience may have difficulty expressing their needs or responding positively to their partner's actions. This can lead to misunderstandings, tension, and conflict. On the other hand, those with higher resilience may be better at communicating effectively and problem-solving together.
Differences in emotional resilience between partners can create relational asymmetries that impact many aspects of the relationship. It is important for couples to work together to build their emotional resilience and support each other through difficult times. With proper communication and understanding, these differences can be managed successfully.
How do differences in emotional resilience between partners create relational asymmetries after one has been deployed?
According to research conducted by Dr. John Gottman and his team at the Gottman Institute, individuals who have low emotional resiliency may experience greater difficulty adjusting to life changes such as deployment than those with higher levels of resiliency. This is because people with lower emotional resiliency tend to be more easily overwhelmed by stressors and have less ability to bounce back from adversity.