Advancing Research on Mechanisms of Resilience (Armor) Longitudinal Cohort Study of New Military Recruits: Results From a Feasibility Pilot Study

Abstract

Psychological resilience as a longitudinal process is highly relevant for understanding the functioning outcomes of military populations. Here, we review the extant literature on resilience among military service members, focusing on National Guard Soldiers. Our specific project (Advancing Research on Mechanisms of Resilience, "ARMOR") aims to develop a comprehensive model of resilience using a multilevel perspective. We report results from our prospective pilot study (n = 103) conducted in preparation for our large-scale longitudinal cohort study of basic combat training (BCT) and its impact on military recruits' wellbeing. Results support feasibility of the larger study, evidence for a new measure of BCT stressor exposure, and demonstrate preliminary associations with BCT-related stressors and longitudinal changes in adaptive functioning. Future directions for our larger study will utilize data from survey responses, structured clinical interviews, neurobehavioral tasks, and neurobiological measures (functional and structural MRI and electroencephalography [EEG]) to examine individual differences in self-regulation as a predictor of resilience-related processes. ARMOR is well positioned to elucidate mechanisms that could be targeted for promoting wellbeing, preventing psychopathology, and facilitating long-term recovery.

Integrating behavioural, biomedical, and social processes in resilience and health research over the human lifecourse

“…The researchers developed and validated a novel measure of stress exposure specific to BCT context and demonstrated preliminary evidence of associations of BCT-related stress with longitudinal trajectories of adaptive functioning. Specifically, they found positive associations between the frequency of BCT stress with and increased negative emotions and anger; moreover, greater total impacts of BCT-related stressors were connected to greater negative emotions, depression, and anger, and also with decreased social participation and satisfaction with military role (Polusny et al, 2021).…”

“…Basic Combat Training (BCT) for U.S. military recruits is a deliberately stressful time that involves intensive mental challenges and extreme physical demands within a built and social environment (Polusny, 2022; United States Army, 2014). Moreover, military life beyond BCT, even in peacetime, is characterized by multiple unique stressors and challenges.…”

“…The researchers developed and validated a novel measure of stress exposure specific to BCT context and demonstrated preliminary evidence of associations of BCT‐related stress with longitudinal trajectories of adaptive functioning. Specifically, they found positive associations between the frequency of BCT stress with and increased negative emotions and anger; moreover, greater total impacts of BCT‐related stressors were connected to greater negative emotions, depression, and anger, and also with decreased social participation and satisfaction with military role (Polusny et al., 2021). The BCT‐related stressor scale will be integrated into the ARMOR study proposed in the NIH‐funded study currently under way, along with additional survey measures related to resilience and adaptive functioning, interviews, neurobehavioral tasks, and neurobiological measures including electroencephalography and functional and structural MRI.…”

A dynamic, multilevel approach to conceptualising and designing resilience research in the context of military stress

“…In the ARMOR study, detailed data characterising exposure to BCT stressors are collected at T2 (2 weeks after MSMs return from BCT) using the Basic Training Stressor Scale (BTSS) developed in the UG3 phase of ARMOR (Polusny et al, 2021). The BTSS quantifies situational characteristics of the challenge by asking respondents to rate the perceived severity (i.e., 'How much were each of the following a problem for you?…”

“…The overarching goal of this two‐phase project is to develop a multilevel model of resilience to guide the development of resilience strategies for at‐risk populations. In the UG3 planning/preparation phase, we conducted a separate pilot feasibility study to inform the design and implementation of a large‐scale study (Polusny et al., 2021). In the UH3 phase, we are conducting (ongoing) a prospective, longitudinal investigation with embedded laboratory sub study to elucidate mechanisms and processes contributing to resilience in a military context.…”