Exploring the role of motivational and coping resources in a Special Forces selection process

Marié De Beer,Adelai Van Heerden

doi:10.4102/sajip.v40i1.1165

Abstract

Orientation: Motivational and coping resources were explored within a military context by means of a mixed-methods survey study involving a group of Special Forces candidates.Research purpose: The purpose was to compare selected and not-selected candidates in terms of their sense of coherence, hardiness, locus of control and self-efficacy and to explore what they considered important for success in the selection process.Motivation for the study: Because of high attrition rates in Special Forces selection, the evaluation of the role of motivation and coping resources in terms of possible predictive utility could benefit the organisation from a logistical, financial and efficiency point of view.Research design, approach and method: A mixed-method cross-sectional survey design was used to assess an all-male candidate group (N = 73). The selected and not-selected groups were compared with regard to their sense of coherence, hardiness, locus of control and self-efficacy mean scores.Main findings: No statistically significant differences were found between the mean scores of the two groups concerning the quantitative measures used.Practical/managerial implications: The quantitative measures generally showed acceptable coefficient alpha reliabilities. Although no statistically significant mean differences were found between the groups, candidates showed high levels of sense of coherence, high levels of self-efficacy and average levels of hardiness and internal locus of control. The qualitative data confirmed the relevance of the quantitative constructs and pointed to additional aspects already considered in preparation for and during the selection process.Contribution/value-add: The results provide information regarding the constructs and measures used in a military context.

Highlights

A career in the military, which is physically and psychologically more demanding than most civilian careers options (Skomorovsky & Stevens, 2013), is often a lifestyle resolution as much as a career choice
The aim of the present study was to explore the utility of the positive-psychology constructs of sense of coherence, hardiness, locus of control and self-efficacy within the context of a Special Forces selection process involving very high physical, mental and emotional demands
With the exception of the locus-of-control measure, acceptable coefficient alpha reliability values were found for all the other standardised quantitative measures – indicating that they could be considered for use within the military and Special Forces contexts

Summary

Introduction

A career in the military, which is physically and psychologically more demanding than most civilian careers options (Skomorovsky & Stevens, 2013), is often a lifestyle resolution as much as a career choice. The military context is prone to stressors of a highly demanding nature such as physical exhaustion, exposure to climatic changes and prolonged absence from home. Those serving in the military could face dangerous situations in which their own and others’ lives are at stake (Bates et al, 2010; Cornum, Matthews & Seligman, 2011; Skomorovsky & Stevens, 2013). Measurement and the use of constructs associated with coping resources could contribute to the management and improvement of wellbeing in the military (Cornum et al, 2011) by means of a focus on positive-psychology constructs such as hardiness, resilience and grit

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Conclusion