Efficacy of a cognitive-behavioral program to improve psychological adjustment among soldiers in recruit training

Mil Med. 2008 Dec;173(12):1151-7. doi: 10.7205/milmed.173.12.1151.

Abstract

This study evaluated the efficacy of a brief cognitive-behavioral program in modifying causal attributions, expectancy of control, coping strategies, and psychological adjustment in a sample of Australian Army soldiers undergoing a 45-day recruit training program. Participants (N = 174) were randomly allocated within platoons to a treatment group (N = 101) or control group (N = 73). Data were collected before and after the intervention and 23 days later, at the end of training. Compared with the control group, those who received the intervention reported more temporary and specific attributions, less reliance on self-blame coping, greater positive states of mind, and lower psychological distress at the end of training.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Military Medicine*
  • Military Personnel*
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Psychological Tests
  • Psychometrics
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States
  • Young Adult