Soldiers are trained to handle various situations that come their way during military operations such as combat, survival in enemy territory, and rescue missions.
They may encounter conflicts when dealing with each other due to different coping mechanisms for managing operational stress. This can be attributed to the fact that some individuals may prefer passive methods while others may opt for active ones, which could lead to misunderstandings between them.
One soldier might keep silent about his/her feelings instead of expressing them out loud, leading to friction with another soldier who prefers open communication. The article explores how these mismatched strategies can result in relational conflict among soldiers and what steps should be taken to resolve it effectively.
Passive Coping Strategies
One common coping strategy is denial, whereby soldiers refuse to acknowledge their emotional response to an event or situation. They do not discuss their feelings openly but try to ignore them, hoping that they will disappear. This approach has its advantages because it enables them to focus on the task at hand without getting distracted by negative thoughts.
This can also create tension if they become angry with someone who confronts them about a problem, leading to conflict. Another method is dissociation, where soldiers withdraw from social interactions and become less involved in group activities. They might feel isolated and alone, making them unavailable for support when needed. Dissociation can cause tension within a unit since other members may view them as emotionally distant and unreachable. Active Coping Strategies
Active coping strategies involve engagement in problem-solving activities such as seeking social support, reframing situations positively, ventilation of emotions, or actively taking measures to change the environment. These strategies help soldiers deal with stressful events more effectively, allowing them to move forward and cope better.
Soldiers might use humor to lighten up moods during difficult moments or turn their attention to something else when faced with challenges. Active coping strategies can lead to conflicts if they are used excessively or at the expense of others' needs.
Soldiers might become too aggressive or insensitive towards each other if they don't take into account the impact of their actions on others. Resolution of Conflicts
Conflict resolution requires mutual understanding and compromise between conflicting parties. Soldiers should recognize the differences in their coping mechanisms and find common ground based on shared values, beliefs, and goals. Acknowledging that both approaches have merits helps foster empathy and respect among soldiers. Communicating openly and honestly about feelings without judgment or blame will reduce tension and encourage collaboration.
Identifying trigger points where conflict is likely to occur beforehand can help prevent it from escalating. Team building exercises like role plays, group discussions, and trust-building activities can also promote healthier relationships within a unit.
Mismatched coping mechanisms for managing operational stress can cause relational conflict among soldiers. To resolve this issue, soldiers must learn to communicate openly and empathetically with each other while acknowledging their different approaches to dealing with stress. Identifying trigger points early on can help avoid escalation, and team building activities can create an environment conducive to resolving conflicts effectively. By working together towards a shared goal, soldiers can overcome any challenge, including those arising from differing coping mechanisms.
How do soldiers navigate relational conflict arising from mismatched coping strategies under operational stress?
One of the primary challenges that soldiers face when navigating relational conflicts arising from mismatched coping strategies is their tendency to experience feelings of dissonance, confusion, and anxiety. Soldiers may have different ways of dealing with stressful situations and this can lead to misunderstandings, miscommunication, and friction within their relationships.