Medical Rehabilitation Program: 3. Psychological Factors Related to ProgramEffectiveness

摘要

The present study evaluated the influence of psychological factors on theeffectiveness of a Medical Rehabilitation Program (MRP) in U.S. Navy basic training. Recruits who completed rehabilitation and graduated from basic training (Graduates) were compared to those who failed to graduate (Attrites). With regard to personality traits, Attrites were more neurotic and less extraverted, open, conscientious and agreeable than Graduates. Controlling for these personality differences, Attrites' psychological state on entry into the MRP was characterized by lower expectations of success in basic training, greater perceived severity of health problems, and more negative moods relative to graduates. These results suggest that the effect of the MRP in reducing attrition is partly the product of modifying the acute psychological reactions to the disruption of training produced by medical problems. Psychological interventions designed specifically to minimize the key reactions to medical problems might further reduce attrition. Psychological stress, Personality, Psychological coping, Attrition, Physical rehabilitation, Military recruits.