Most people consider their partner to be an essential part of their life during times of difficulty, stress, or trauma. This is especially true for individuals in the armed forces who are away from home and facing operational strain and pressure. Sexual intimacy between these couples can help them build resilience and cope with such situations by strengthening their bond and allowing them to express themselves physically and emotionally.
It can also lead to problems if they fail to communicate properly, become uncomfortable with each other's needs, or have misunderstandings about what constitutes healthy intimacy under duress.
Sexual activity has been shown to boost physical and mental health among military couples. It helps reduce stress levels, relieve tension, improve mood, increase satisfaction, and promote relaxation. The act itself involves touching, caressing, kissing, oral sex, penetration, etc., all of which can create positive feelings that enhance coping mechanisms against difficult circumstances.
Researchers found that service members who had regular sexual encounters reported higher self-esteem than those who did not. These individuals were more likely to feel supported by their partners, making them less susceptible to depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Sexual intimacy allows soldiers to connect with one another romantically, spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally. They learn how their spouse thinks and feels, thereby improving mutual understanding and communication.
Some studies suggest that lack of proper communication during sexual activities may undermine resilience. If a couple does not talk enough before, during, or after engaging in sexual acts, there is a risk of developing misunderstandings and misconceptions. Such scenarios may make them feel frustrated or guilty about their desires, which affects their ability to cope with stress effectively. Moreover, if they do not share information on contraception methods, unplanned pregnancies may arise, adding to their burden. In addition, if a partner fails to communicate sexual boundaries clearly, it could lead to abuse, violence, or conflict, compromising mental health further. This might result from cultural norms where expressing sexual needs is frowned upon or due to prior trauma, such as childhood sexual abuse, rape, etc.
Couples should establish clear rules regarding privacy, consent, pleasure, pain tolerance, duration, location, etc., to avoid any issues arising from sexual encounters. They must also discuss what constitutes acceptable behavior during intimate moments and stick to these guidelines consistently. It is advisable for them to maintain good hygiene, practice safe sex, use protection measures, and be mindful of each other's physical limitations (e.g., injuries). Sexual activity can enhance relationships when approached sensibly and safely; thus, military couples need to ensure that they have open channels of communication while being intimate.
In what ways does sexual activity support or undermine resilience and coping among military couples under operational stress?
Military members and their partners face unique challenges during times of operational stress due to long periods of separation from one another and exposure to high levels of psychological distress. Sexual intimacy can play an important role in supporting resilience and coping in these situations by promoting feelings of closeness, reducing anxiety, and enhancing overall well-being.