The term "relational commitment" refers to an individual's willingness to remain connected to another person over time, even when there are potential disruptions or conflicts that could lead to dissolution of the relationship. This concept is particularly important for understanding how individuals in close relationships can remain committed to each other despite experiencing frequent separations due to military service. Military deployment can create numerous challenges that threaten the stability of a relationship, including physical separation, emotional distress, and stressful situations. Despite these challenges, many soldiers maintain their relational commitment and continue to feel connected to their loved ones back home. This begs the question: How do psychological mechanisms allow soldiers to maintain relational commitment despite repeated disruption? In this article, I will explore various psychological mechanisms that may contribute to this phenomenon, with a focus on attachment theory and social support.
Attachment theory posits that humans have an innate need to form secure bonds with others, which serve as a foundation for emotional security and wellbeing. According to this theory, individuals develop attachments early in life through caregiving experiences, and these attachments shape how they interact with others throughout their lives. When individuals experience repeated separations from their significant others, such as during military deployments, they may rely on pre-existing attachments to maintain a sense of safety and comfort.
A soldier who has formed a strong attachment with his wife may find comfort and security in knowing that she is still available to him emotionally, even if he cannot physically be with her. The psychological mechanism underlying this process involves a shift in cognitive processing, whereby the brain prioritizes positive memories and interactions with the partner over negative ones (Bowlby, 1969). This helps to maintain feelings of love and commitment towards the partner, even when separated by distance or conflict.
Social support is another important psychological mechanism that can help soldiers maintain relational commitment during deployment. Social support refers to the availability of resources, including emotional, instrumental, and informational support, provided by friends and family members (Cutrona et al., 2014). Soldiers who receive high levels of social support from loved ones may feel more connected to them, despite physical separation. In addition, social support can provide a buffer against stress and emotional distress related to deployment, allowing soldiers to better cope with challenges and maintain a positive outlook on their relationships (Hobfoll & Shiroma, 2018). Social support can take many forms, such as regular communication, financial assistance, and emotional validation.
A soldier's spouse may send care packages with letters and photos, providing both tangible and intangible support.
Soldiers' ability to maintain relational commitment during military deployments is likely due to various psychological mechanisms, including attachment theory and social support. These mechanisms enable individuals to remain emotionally connected to their partners despite physical separation, thereby strengthening their relationship overall. Understanding these mechanisms can help clinicians and researchers develop effective interventions for helping soldiers navigate the challenges of deployment and maintain healthy relationships.
What psychological mechanisms allow soldiers to maintain relational commitment despite repeated disruption?
Soldiers can develop psychological strategies that help them cope with repeated disruptions in their relationships, such as reframing the situation as temporary or emphasizing the importance of the mission over personal needs. Additionally, they may also rely on social support systems, like family and friends, for emotional stability and resilience.