Characterizing Resilience and Growth Among Soldiers: A Trajectory Study

摘要

This study is a longitudinal follow-up of Soldiers who completed surveys before, during, and after their deployment to Iraq to examine the effects of deployment in the longer term using both survey and interview methods. A comprehensive set of psychosocial characteristics healthy and unhealthy were assessed. Further data collection is ongoing. The specific purpose of the study is to measure resilience and growth in terms of actual trajectories of functioning over time and to identify protective factors and assets predicting resilience (relatively rapid return to healthy functioning following adversity) as well as factors predicting growth (improved functioning). Achievements during the third year of the project include completing survey data collection, securing IRB continuing review approvals, developing interview protocol, upgrading database for contact information for participant follow-up data collection, conducting preliminary data analyses of four waves of data, and developing strategies for follow up interview data collection. Preliminary data analyses with four waves data found that during deployment, Soldiers frequently experienced adverse events and their mental well-being decreased. However, post-deployment, Soldiers on average had the similar level of psychological well-being as before deployment, evidence of resilience. Factors predicting well-being following deployment included positive affect, and optimism; flexible attitude; problem-focused coping strategies with stress; social and family support; and life meaning. These similar factors predicted reports of growth following deployment, although variables reflecting meaning were more strongly related to post-deployment growth compared to post-deployment psychological well-being. Also, good leadership predicted growth following deployment.