Perceived stress and hair cortisol levels amongst conscripts during basic military training: A repeated measures...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Military Medicine
• Stress Research

Background:

• Basic military training is a period of significant adjustment and potential stress for conscripts.
• Understanding the factors influencing stress during this period is crucial for soldier well-being and performance.
• Hair cortisol is a validated biomarker for long-term stress exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between hair cortisol levels, self-reported stress, and four categories of determinants in conscripts undergoing basic military training.
• To test a theoretical model predicting lower stress and hair cortisol with higher emotional stability, fewer private life problems, positive military attitudes, and better group cohesion/leadership.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal study involving 107 male Lithuanian conscripts assessed at three time points during basic training.
• Utilized established self-report instruments for perceived stress and psychological/contextual factors.
• Measured hair cortisol levels through laboratory analysis of hair samples.

Main Results:

• Conscripts reported low to moderate perceived stress throughout training.
• Hair cortisol levels showed minimal correlation with self-rated stress and psychological determinants.
• The prediction model was fully supported for perceived stress, linking it to emotional stability, private life issues, military attitudes, and leadership.

Conclusions:

• Perceived stress during basic military training is significantly influenced by individual psychological traits and contextual military factors.
• Hair cortisol may not be a sensitive biomarker for the fluctuating stress levels experienced during this specific training phase.
• The theoretical model provides a valuable framework for understanding stress in military conscripts.