A study of correlation between alexithymia and resilience in military personnel

Abstract

Objective To explore correlation between alexithymia and resilience in military personnel.Methods 2802 subjects were chosen by random cluster sampling to outline the military personnel resilience scale and military alexithymia scale.The data were analyzed by t-test,chi-square test,ANOVA,correlation analysis and multiple linear regressions analysis.Results The prevalence rate of alexithymia was 6.85％,while resilience was 6.60％.Compared to sea force (45.62 ± 11.25 ) and air force (45.32 ± 9.98 ) subjects,land force (47.92 ± 9.92)had significantly higher total score in alexithymia(P＜ 0.05 ).Compared to sea force (87.35 ± 12.15 ) and air force ( 88.58 ± 10.39 ) subjects,land force ( 85.73 ± 10.70) had significantly lower total score in resilience(P ＜ 0.05 ).The total score and every factor score of subjects with alexithymia were significant lower than those of control group in resilience(P ＜ 0.05 ).Every factor of Resilience Scale were mild negative correlation with every factor of Alexithymia Scale (P＜0.01).Problem solving,volition,optimism and family supports were the main factors which had affected on the alexithymia.Conclusion The prevalence rate of alexithymia in military personnel is lower than ordinary people,but there are still issues in alexithymia and resilience,particularly in land force.The research show mild correlation between alexithymia and resilience in military personnel. Key words: Military personnel; Resilience; Alexithymia; Correlation