Related Factors of the Influence on Mental Symptoms of the Recruits in the Basic Military Training

Abstract

The objective of the study is to explore the psychosocial characteristics of recruits for mental health education during the basic military training. A total of 1,366 male recruits were assessed during the basic military training. The psychosocial characteristics, such as effects of LE (life events), mental symptoms, personality trait coping style and social support of the recruits were assessed with LEI-CSLA (LE Inventory for Compulsory Servicemen of Land Army), SCL-90-R, EPQ (Eysenck Personality Questionnaire), SCSQ (Simple Coping Style Questionnaire) and social support scale respectively. Statistical analyses, such as multiple stepwise analyses, interaction analyses and path analysis, were used. Neuroticism trait, negative coping style, objective social support and LE were significant factors in determining the score of mental symptoms, accounted for 64% of the total variance, the absolute value of β of each variable was 0.09-0.48. LE and neuroticism had direct effect on SCL-90 symptom index. LE, mental symptoms, personality trait, coping style as well as social support should be taken into consideration when psychological intervention and mental health education are needed in service for recruits in the basic military training.