Vestnik of Saint Petersburg University. Psychology
2025. Vol. 15, no. 4, 578–593
ISSN: 2658-3607 / 2658-6010 (online)
Stress of forced separation and coping with it in women waiting for their partners to return from military deployment
Abstract
This study examines the perception and coping strategies related to forced long-term separation among women in close relationships, exploring their associations with attachment style and relationship satisfaction. The research focuses on the unique context of separation due to military deployment (limited verbal contact, uncertain reunion). A nomothetic approach was employed using standardized instruments assessing cognitive appraisal, emotional state, attachment style, coping behavior, and relationship satisfaction. Sample: 160 women aged 18–37 years (M = 21.14, SD = 3.84) experiencing forced separation from romantic partners (military deployment) lasting 6 months to 3 years (M ≈ 200 days). Criteria included limited verbal contact and uncertain reunion. Participants were recruited through thematic social media groups (VKontakte, Telegram). Separation was perceived as highly stressful yet controllable and significant, accompanied by neuropsychic tension and anxiety for partners/relationship futures. Adaptive coping strategies dominated: acceptance, planning, emotional expression, and cognitive-behavioral distraction. However, deficient coping strategies leading to chronic stress were identified. Anxious attachment correlated positively with separation stress, anxiety, dissatisfaction, and less constructive coping. Avoidant attachment was associated with threat perception, lack of emotional support, emotional suppression, and non-acceptance. Relationship satisfaction served as a buffer, correlating positively with constructive coping (acceptance, active coping, planning) and emotional stability. Longer relationship duration correlated with lower stress and anxiety. Prolonged separation reduced anxiety and perceived significance but also decreased emotional involvement and coping activity.
General Information
Keywords: close relationships, forced separation, coping behavior, attachment, relationship satisfaction
Journal rubric: Empirical and Experimental Research
Article type: scientific article
Funding. The study was supported by the Russian Science Foundation (RSF), project no. 24-28-00896/.
Received 10.03.2025
Accepted
Published
For citation: Saporovskaya, M.V., Kamenskaya, A.S. (2025). Stress of forced separation and coping with it in women waiting for their partners to return from military deployment . Vestnik of Saint Petersburg University. Psychology, 15(4), 578–593. (In Russ.). URL: https://psyjournals.ru/en/journals/vspu_psychology/archive/2025_n4/Saporovskaya_Kamenskaya (viewed: 03.03.2026)
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