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Predictors of Morale in U.S. Peacekeepers 1
Author(s) -
Maguen Shira,
Litz Brett T.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of applied social psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.822
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1559-1816
pISSN - 0021-9029
DOI - 10.1111/j.0021-9029.2006.00045.x
Subject(s) - peacekeeping , cohesion (chemistry) , psychology , patriotism , stressor , social psychology , military personnel , group cohesiveness , nationalism , military organization , political science , clinical psychology , law , politics , ancient history , chemistry , organic chemistry , history
In this prospective study, we examined pre‐ and postmission predictors of morale in U.S. military peacekeepers deployed to Kosovo. After controlling for demographic and military characteristics, current general life stressors, unit cohesion, and reports of patriotism and nationalism were predictive of predeployment morale. We also found that positive military experiences, general overseas military stressors, and postdeployment unit cohesion were significant predictors of postdeployment morale after controlling for demographic and military characteristics and predeployment morale, cohesion, and patriotism/nationalism. The results suggest the need to broaden our understanding of the factors that may assist and motivate soldiers during demanding peacekeeping operations and the factors that may mitigate the impact of stressful demands and associated mission‐related strain.