Improving Resiliency in U.S. Air Force Healthcare Personnel: A Randomized Preventive Trial
Stephen H A Hernandez1,2, Jacqueline Killian3, Mark B Parshall1
1University of New Mexico College of Nursing, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87102, Mexico.
Military Medicine
|August 8, 2023
Summary
The Stress Management and Resilience Training (SMART) program significantly improved resilience and reduced perceived stress in Air Force healthcare personnel. This pilot study shows positive outcomes for military mental health and well-being.
Area of Science:
- Military Health
- Occupational Psychology
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Effectiveness of Stress Management and Resilience Training (SMART) in U.S. military personnel is under-researched.
- Air Force healthcare personnel face unique occupational stressors.
- Resilience training is crucial for military mental health and operational readiness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of SMART in enhancing resilience among Air Force healthcare personnel.
- To assess changes in perceived stress, anxiety, and quality of life following SMART.
- To compare different delivery modalities of the SMART program.
Main Methods:
- Pilot randomized preventive trial involving active component Air Force healthcare personnel.
- SMART delivered via in-person (face-to-face or video teleconference) or self-paced computer-based training.
- Validated scales (CD-10, PSS, GAD-7, QOL) administered at baseline and 12, 18, 24 weeks post-training.
Main Results:
- Significant increases in Connor-Davidson-10 Resilience Scale (CD-10) scores observed at all follow-up points (14-21% increase).
- Significant decreases in Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) scores noted at all follow-up points (22-35% decrease).
- 49 participants completed the training, with 56 completing baseline assessments.
Conclusions:
- SMART demonstrated significant and meaningful improvements in self-reported resilience (CD-10) and perceived stress (PSS) in Air Force healthcare personnel.
- The findings support the utility of SMART for enhancing mental well-being in military healthcare settings.
- Further large-scale replication is recommended to confirm these positive outcomes.
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