Resilience and its influencing factors among soldiers participated in a large-scale military exercise

Abstract

Objective To investigate the current situation of resilience and identify its influencing factors among soldiers who participated in a large-scale military exercise. Methods The Psychological Stress Self-Evaluation Test(PSET), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale(Chinese version), Perceived Social Support Scale(PSSS) and Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire(SCSQ) were conducted in 320 servicemen during a field military exercise. Statistical package SPSS version 18.0 and SAS version 9.3 were used for the analysis. Results A total of 309 valid questionnaires were analyzed. The median score of resilience among soldiers was 60(50, 73). Resilience of soldiers show significantly negative correlations with stress(r=-0.144, P<0.05)and negative coping style(r=-0.135, P<0.05)and positive correlations with perceived social support(r=0.502, P<0.01) and positive coping style(r=0.584, P<0.01). Social support and coping style can predict the resilience of soldiers. Conclusion The soldiers’ resilience are on a medium level. Coping style and social support have some effects on resilience. Key words: Resilience; Soldier; Stress; Coping style; Perceived social support