Reference:
Karakurt, G., Christiansen, A. T., MacDermid, S. M., & Weiss, H. M. (2013). Romantic Relationships Following Wartime Deployment. Journal of Family Issues, 34(11), 1427-1451. doi: 10.1177/0192513X12470799
Summary:
In this article, the authors examine the romantic relationships of reservists following wartime deployment. Members of an Army Reserve unit and their partners were interviewed the year following the return from deployment, and revealed four themes:
- intermittent idealized closeness;
- transition from independence to interdependence;
- transition in the primary source of social support; and
- ongoing renegotiation of roles.
Some of these were individual rather than a joint phenomenon, but couples as a whole had to relearn how to be interdependent, and for some this was the most difficult aspect of reunion. Individuals shifted away from partners for social support during deployment and gradually shifted back to relying on partners following reunion. Transitions in work and family roles were negotiated on an ongoing basis throughout the year.