Psychological intervention programme for developing resilience in the military personnel. A randomized controlled
Maria Nicoleta Turliuc1, Ana-Diana Balcan1,2
1Department of Psychology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iaşi, Iaşi, Romania.
Summary
Military Resilience Training (MRTR) effectively reduces stress and enhances resilience in military personnel. This psychological intervention significantly boosts adaptive resources and coping mechanisms for military gendarmes, with lasting benefits.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Military Health
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- Military personnel, particularly gendarmes, face high exposure to traumatic events impacting health.
- Psychological interventions are crucial for mitigating stress and enhancing well-being in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of Military Resilience Training (MRTR) in reducing perceived stress and increasing resilience.
- To assess the impact of MRTR on adaptive resources and coping mechanisms in military gendarmes.
Main Methods:
- A single-blind randomized controlled trial involving 98 military gendarmes.
- Intervention group (n=48) received 5-month MRTR; control group (n=50) received it later.
- Measurements of perceived stress, adaptive resources, and resilience were taken pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at 3-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- MRTR demonstrated very high effectiveness in enhancing adaptive resources (d=0.99) and self-schemes (d=1.33).
- Significant average effects were observed in resilience (d=0.53), stress reduction (d=0.49), and military task demands (d=1.19).
- All gains were maintained at the 3-month follow-up, indicating sustained benefits.
Conclusions:
- Military Resilience Training (MRTR) is an effective psychological intervention for military gendarmes.
- MRTR significantly reduces perceived stress and strengthens resilience, with lasting positive effects on adaptive resources.
