Quality of life, psychosocial characteristics, and study skills affecting recruits’ intention to quit Basic Military Training

Abstract

Quitting Basic Military Training (BMT) is a problem in the Dutch Armed Forces. Previous research focused on physical factors. Yet, contemporary research focuses on psychosocial characteristics, study skills, and quality of life factors associated with recruits’ intention to quit BMT. We combined several factors to identify the key factors affecting recruits’ intentions to quit BMT. We also studied gender and rank position differences. Three hundred fifty-five recruits enrolled in BMT participated by completing a self-report questionnaire. Multiple regression analysis showed that being highly engaged with BMT, having a high sense of belonging, and being highly proactive resulted in lower intention to quit. Having a high sense of responsibility resulted in higher intention to quit BMT. For gender, significant differences were found in study skills and self-esteem. For rank positions, significant differences were found in several psychosocial characteristics, study skills, quality of life factors, and intention to quit; with officer rank recruits showing higher intentions to quit than noncommissioned officer rank recruits. These identified factors can be used to improve conditions for BMT recruits. It is further advised to investigate the origin of gender and rank position differences that affect associations between psychosocial characteristics, study skills, quality of life factors, and recruits’ intention to quit, so that these differences can be minimized in the future.

Analysis of Budget Allocations for Personnel Expenses in the National Security System

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The Effects of Job Stress on Burnout and Turnover Intention: The Moderating Effects of Job Security and Financial Dependency

“…In this context, it is believed that the results of the research can be explained within the framework of COR theory. However, work stress [86], work-related burnout [87], turnover intention [88], job security [89], and financial conditions [90] are also factors that can affect employees' quality of life. Therefore, the findings of this study are expected to contribute to the literature in the area of quality of life.…”