Analysis of self-efficacy, coping style and mental health of the shipboard naval personnel of a certain unit

Abstract

Objective To analyze self-efficiency, coping style and mental health of the shipboard naval personnel of a certain unit and their relationship. Methods A general psychological survey was made on 706 shipboard naval personnel of a certain unit by using Self-Efficacy Scale, Coping Style and Symptom Checklist 90 assessment battery. Results A total of 692 copies of questionnaires were retrieved, with an efficiency rate of 98.02%.(1)Statistical significance could be noted, when various factors of SCL-90 in the shipboard naval personnel were compared with those of the norm of Chinese servicemen (P<0.01). Generally, their mental health status was quite good. (2)Self-efficacy of the shipboard naval personnel was on the whole high and in most cases, they adopted active coping styles. The shipboard naval personnel with different posts, different educational background and different marital status responded quite differently to coping styles.(3)Self-efficacy was negatively correlated with various factors of SCL- 90 significantly except somatization(P<0.05 or P<0.01). Obviously, immature coping and mixed type coping were positively correlated with various factors of SCL - 90(P<0.05 or P<0.01). Mature coping had significantly negative correlation only with interpersonal sensitivity and anxiety in SCL- 90(P<0.05 or P<0.01). (4)Different posts, different educational background and self-efficacy had positive predictive effect on mental health(P<0.05 or P<0.01), while immature coping and mixed type had significantly negative predictive effect on mental health(P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusions The shipboard naval personnel of a certain unit had relatively high self-efficacy. In most cases, they adopted a more active coping style and their mental health was good. Self-efficacy and coping style were closely associated with mental health. Key words: Shipboard naval personnel; Self-efficacy; Coping style; Mental health