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Drill Sergeants’ two contrasting approaches to “soldierization” and instilling healthy eating behaviors in soldiers
Author(s) -
Blake Christine E,
Rosemond Tiara N,
TorresMcGehee Toni M,
Frongillo Edward A,
Burke Michael P,
Lenkerd Allison,
Minton Dawn M,
Cable LTC Sonya,
Glover Saundra H
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.27.1_supplement.231.4
Subject(s) - obedience , psychology , intimidation , grounded theory , perception , qualitative research , healthy eating , social psychology , athletes , applied psychology , developmental psychology , medical education , physical activity , medicine , social science , neuroscience , sociology , physical therapy , physical medicine and rehabilitation
Adult leaders such as athletic coaches, teachers, and drill sergeants (DS) play a key role in instilling healthy habits as adolescent's transition to adulthood. Positive approaches have been promoted in coaches and teachers, but little is known about DS. This study aimed to understand DS perspectives on instilling healthy eating behaviors in soldiers as part of their overall approach to basic training. In‐depth qualitative interviews conducted with 30 DS at two US Army training bases were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a grounded theory approach. DS varied in their perceptions of the importance of nutrition, responsibility for promoting nutrition, general approach to training, and integration of nutrition into training. Two general approaches to what DS called “soldierization” emerged. One included mentoring, role modeling, and tailoring strategies to the individual. The other was less responsive to individual differences, and emphasized obedience, discipline, and intimidation. General approaches framed strategies for instilling healthy eating behaviors in soldiers. Many DS currently use such strategies in soldiers that are compatible with best practices used by successful athletic coaches and teachers, but further improvements would potentiate the positive impact that DS could have on soldiers’ health eating behaviors. Funded by Department of Defense.