Risk Factor Model Predicting the Relationship Between Stress and Performance in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Training

摘要

Stress is a common aspect of military operations. It therefore follows that training to work effectively under conditions of stress is an essential component of military training programs. The primary purpose of this proposed study is to identify specific risk and protective factors that predict the effects of stress responding on military operational performance. Because of the high levels of stress and resultant program attrition, the military's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) training program provides a unique opportunity to study the interaction between stress and performance, and to identify specific risk and protective factors. The study recruited 500 students who were enrolled in EOD training. These students were enlisted personnel in the US military who volunteered to participate in the study at two points during the training program. Self-report assessments of potential risk factors were collected at the beginning of the training program and at one intermediate time point that is associated with the highest level of student attrition. These risk factors included general cognitive ability, inattention and impulsivity, problem solving, anxiety, personality dimensions, social relations, and stressful events. In addition, the study explored the role of the demographic, social desirability, and external stressor control variables. The risk factors and control variables were used to predict two measures of performance. The first measure of performance was the grade on the first practical test of the training program, a continuous outcome between 0-100. The second performance measure was program completion, which was a dichotomous outcome of successful or unsuccessful completion.