Systematic Review: Measurement Methods and Concept of Resilience Among Seafarers

Area of Science:

• Maritime Psychology
• Occupational Health
• Resilience Research

Background:

• Shipping presents unique challenges impacting seafarer well-being and mental health.
• Seafarer resilience is crucial for navigating demanding work environments.
• Existing research on seafarer resilience and its measurement is fragmented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and analyze existing literature on seafarer resilience.
• To focus on the measurement methods and definitions of resilience in seafaring.
• To identify research gaps and trends in seafarer resilience studies.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of studies published between 2003 and 2023.
• Inclusion of ten studies in the final analysis.
• Identification and categorization of resilience measurement tools, study designs, and thematic content.

Main Results:

• Ten studies were analyzed, primarily cross-sectional, with a focus on tankers and naval vessels.
• The Dispositional Resilience Scale-15 (DRS-15) was the most frequently used measurement tool.
• Identified themes include shipboard stressors, sleep issues, occupational factors, war experiences, and interventions.

Conclusions:

• A significant research gap exists regarding seafarer resilience, especially in the civilian sector.
• Standardization of resilience measurement is essential for comparable research.
• Promoting seafarer resilience is vital for enhancing mental health and well-being through targeted interventions.