Dr. Richard Schuster on Enhanced Resilience Skills in Soldiers
What Strategies Can Be Adopted to Enhance Resilience Skills in Soldiers?
Enhancing resilience in soldiers is crucial for maintaining a force that can withstand and adapt to the myriad stressors of military life. Resilience, the ability to recover from setbacks, adapt well to change, and keep going in the face of adversity, is not an innate trait but a set of skills that can be cultivated. The following strategies can be adopted to bolster resilience in military personnel.
One effective strategy is the implementation of resilience training programs. These programs often focus on cognitive-behavioral techniques that help soldiers reframe negative thoughts, manage stress, and develop a positive outlook. Studies have demonstrated that soldiers who participate in resilience training exhibit lower levels of stress and higher levels of psychological well-being (Reivich et al., 2011).
Another key strategy involves promoting strong social support networks within the military community. Peer support, mentorship programs, and fostering a sense of camaraderie and belonging can significantly enhance a soldier’s ability to cope with stress. Social support has been consistently linked to better mental health outcomes and can buffer the effects of traumatic experiences (Pietrzak et al., 2010).
Stress reduction practices also play a crucial role in building resilience. Techniques such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, and controlled breathing exercises can help soldiers manage stress more effectively. Research indicates that mindfulness training can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD among military personnel (Jha et al., 2010).
Additionally, leadership plays a vital role in fostering resilience. Leaders who demonstrate empathy, provide clear communication, and create an environment of trust can enhance the resilience of their subordinates. Leadership training programs that emphasize these qualities can prepare leaders to better support their troops.
Further, encouraging physical fitness and healthy lifestyle choices is fundamental. Regular physical exercise has been shown to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and increase overall resilience. Nutrition, adequate sleep, and avoiding substance abuse are also critical components of a resilient lifestyle.
In conclusion, enhancing resilience in soldiers requires a multifaceted approach that includes resilience training, social support, mindfulness practices, effective leadership, and healthy lifestyle choices. By adopting these strategies, the military can help soldiers develop the skills they need to thrive in the face of adversity.
References:
• Reivich, K. J., Seligman, M. E. P., & McBride, S. (2011). Master resilience training in the U.S. Army. American Psychologist, 66(1), 25-34. doi:10.1037/a0021897
• Pietrzak, R. H., Johnson, D. C., Goldstein, M. B., Malley, J. C., & Southwick, S. M. (2010). Psychological resilience and postdeployment social support protect against traumatic stress and depressive symptoms in soldiers returning from Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Depression and Anxiety, 27(2), 189-199. doi:10.1002/da.20558
• Jha, A. P., Stanley, E. A., Kiyonaga, A., Wong, L., & Gelfand, L. (2010). Examining the protective effects of mindfulness training on working memory capacity and affective experience. Emotion, 10(1), 54-64. doi:10.1037/a0018438