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Variability in the stability of personality traits across a single combat deployment
Michael N Dretsch1,2, Benjamin Trachik2, Maura Taylor2
1US Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory, Fort Rucker, Alabama, USA.
Summary
Combat deployment significantly altered personality traits in US Army soldiers, with decreases in Impulsive Sensation-Seeking and Sociability, and increases in Neuroticism-Anxiety. Factors like age and combat exposure influenced these changes.
Area of Science:
- Military Psychology
- Psychological Stress
- Personality Trait Stability
Background:
- Combat deployments present unique stressors impacting soldier mental health.
- Understanding personality trait changes during deployment is crucial for soldier well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess personality trait modifications in US Army soldiers over a 12-month combat deployment.
- To identify factors influencing these personality changes.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal assessment of personality measures in conventional US Army soldiers.
- Statistical analysis correlating deployment experiences (combat exposure, concussion) and demographics (age, education) with personality score changes.
Main Results:
- Significant decreases observed in Impulsive Sensation-Seeking (ImpSS) and Sociability (Sy).
- Significant increase noted in Neuroticism-Anxiety (N-Anx).
- Age influenced ImpSS; combat exposure, concussion, age, education, and stress scores affected N-Anx.
Conclusions:
- Personality traits exhibit considerable variability under combat stress and injury.
- Factors such as age and education play a role in the stability of personality during deployment.
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