Romantic Relationships Following Wartime Deployment

Abstract

This study examines the romantic relationships of reservists following wartime deployment. Members of an Army Reserve unit and their partners participated in seven waves of interviews in the year following the reservists’ return from deployment. Qualitative analysis of these 101 interviews from 19 participants revealed four themes: (a) intermittent idealized closeness, (b) transition from independence to interdependence, (c) transition in the primary source of social support, and (d) ongoing renegotiation of roles. Intermittent idealized closeness fluctuated over time and was an individual rather than a joint phenomenon. Couples 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.