Trauma is an event that causes physical or psychological harm to someone, causing them to feel frightened, shocked, helpless, or distressed. For people who have experienced combat, traumatic events can include seeing friends die, witnessing terrible injuries, experiencing extreme danger themselves, or even being responsible for killing another person. These experiences can leave lasting scars and alter how they perceive and experience life after returning home from deployment. Among military couples, trauma can also impact their perception and experience of sexual satisfaction, emotional attachment, and relational loyalty.
Sexual satisfaction refers to the pleasure and fulfillment experienced during sexual activities between partners. Military couples may find it challenging to achieve this due to various factors such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sleep deprivation, nightmares, anxiety, depression, changes in hormone levels, or difficulty trusting their partner. The symptoms of PTSD can cause flashbacks, panic attacks, hypervigilance, and paranoia, making it difficult for veterans to relax and enjoy intimacy with their partner. They may avoid sexual activity altogether because they fear losing control or re-living traumatic memories. Others may engage in risky behaviors like substance abuse or infidelity to numb their pain and escape reality.
Emotional attachment refers to the bond formed between two individuals based on mutual care, respect, love, and commitment. Veterans may struggle to develop and maintain healthy relationships due to feelings of isolation, guilt, shame, or anger towards themselves or others. This can lead them to withdraw emotionally and become distant from their partner, causing misunderstandings and resentment. They may also have trouble communicating their needs or expressing affection, leading to a lack of intimacy and closeness. It is essential for veterans to seek professional help if they feel overwhelmed by these thoughts and emotions.
Relational loyalty refers to the fidelity, trust, honesty, and support that partners provide each other in a relationship. Trauma can erode this foundation by creating mistrust, jealousy, or betrayal. Military couples who experience trauma together may feel helpless and powerless, leaving them susceptible to conflict and divorce. They may question their worth as a person or their ability to form meaningful connections, leading to insecurities and self-doubt. To strengthen relational loyalty, both partners must work together to communicate openly, show vulnerability, practice forgiveness, and prioritize their relationship above all else.
Military couples face unique challenges when it comes to sexual satisfaction, emotional attachment, and relational loyalty after experiencing trauma. They need support from family, friends, and mental health professionals to overcome these obstacles and rebuild their relationship. By seeking treatment, being patient with each other, and working through issues together, military couples can learn to heal and grow stronger than ever before.
How does trauma alter the perception and experience of sexual satisfaction, emotional attachment, and relational loyalty among military couples?
A significant aspect that is observed in military couples who have experienced traumatic events such as warfare is their altered perception and experience of sexual satisfaction, emotional attachment, and relational loyalty. Research suggests that traumatic experiences can create emotional distance between partners by affecting intimacy and closeness (Shahar & Alkalay, 2014).