Sexuality is an integral part of human existence and has been shown to play a crucial role in promoting resilience during deployments. Deployments are often associated with stressors that can negatively impact one's physical and mental health, such as separation from loved ones, increased workload, and exposure to trauma.
Research suggests that sexuality can help individuals cope with these challenges and maintain emotional well-being. Here are some ways in which sexuality contributes to personal and relational resilience during deployments:
1. Sexuality provides a source of pleasure and enjoyment: During deployments, soldiers may experience feelings of isolation, loneliness, and boredom. Engaging in pleasurable activities like masturbation or sex can provide a sense of relief and fulfillment, helping them cope with deployment-related stressors.
Having a partner to share intimate moments with can make deployments more bearable. This positive emotional state can translate into greater resilience and better performance at work.
2. Sexuality facilitates connection and bonding: Deployment separations can put strain on relationships, leading to feelings of distance and disconnection. Sexual acts such as kissing, cuddling, and touching can help couples stay connected and feel closer despite being apart. These acts promote positive feelings towards each other, making it easier for both partners to weather the storm of deployment stressors.
3. Sexuality enhances communication and empathy: Talking openly about sexual desires and needs can improve communication between partners, leading to greater understanding and empathy. It also helps create a shared language for expressing emotions and concerns related to deployment experiences. This enhanced communication can strengthen the relationship and foster resilience in the face of adversity.
4. Sexuality promotes physical health: Regular sexual activity has been linked to improved physical well-being by reducing stress levels, improving sleep quality, and boosting immune function. Soldiers who engage in regular sexual activity during their deployments are less likely to suffer from mental and physical health problems. Moreover, sexuality can be a form of exercise that provides physical benefits like increased heart rate, endorphins release, and muscle toning.
5. Sexuality builds self-esteem: Feelings of self-worth play an important role in resilience. Engaging in sexually pleasurable activities can make individuals feel more confident and capable of handling difficult situations. They may view themselves as more competent and resourceful, which translates into better coping skills during deployment.
Sexuality is a powerful tool for promoting personal and relational resilience during deployments. By providing pleasure, connection, communication, physical and emotional health benefits, and boosting self-esteem, it plays a crucial role in helping soldiers cope with the challenges of military service.
In what ways does sexuality contribute to personal and relational resilience during deployment?
Sexuality can play an important role in enhancing personal and relational resilience during deployment for service members and their partners due to its ability to provide comfort and connection through intimacy. It is not uncommon for couples to experience changes in their sex lives during deployment due to physical separation, mental stressors, and other factors related to military service (e. g. , cultural expectations).