The development of a novel, pre-deployment resilience building programme for Irish defence forces personnel
Date
2022-06-27Embargo Date
2024-06-17
Author
Doody, Colm Brian
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Abstract
Background: Military personnel are, by the nature of their profession, at an increased risk of exposure to potentially traumatic events. Military personnel are also exposed to chronic stress caused by work related factors and interpersonal conflict. The cumulative effect of these chronic stressors can deplete an individual’s ability to cope, when faced with potentially traumatic events later. Considering this fact, how can military personnel be equipped to deal with potentially traumatic events and the chronic deployment related stress they are likely to face? The answer may lie within the field of pre-deployment resilience building science.
Aim: The aim of this PhD body of research is to develop an evidenced based pre-deployment resilience building programme, bespoke to the unique context of the Irish Defence Forces.
Method: This thesis presents multi-methods approach to achieve this aim: four studies were completed which included a Cochrane review of military and emergency services resilience building programmes. The second study examined the experiences encountered by military personnel, who’ve been deployed on domestic routine taskings and international humanitarian and peacekeeping missions. The third study of this thesis was a Delphi technique study with Irish and International subject matter experts which explored what components should constitute a resilience building programme bespoke to the Irish military context. Finally, this PhD thesis presents the Resilience Skills Training Programme (RIPSTOP), which was designed based on the findings of this PhD body of research.
Conclusion: This body of research found that Irish military personnel, across all three service branches (Army, Navy and Air Corps) are exposed to potentially traumatic events while in the line of duty. Personnel are also frequently subjected to sources of chronic stress which may have a depletive effect on their ability to cope when faced with potentially traumatic events. The best evidence (findings of Cochrane review and supported by findings of Delphi technique study) suggests that an integrated therapeutic approach consisting of a blend of CBT and mindfulness can be used to build resilience. Mental resilience skills training was also identified as a possibly efficacious approach to building resilience by the Delphi study Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). The Resilience Skills Intervention Programme (RIPSTOP) when evaluated in a proof-of-concept trial was well received by members of the Defence Forces, with quantitative evaluations suggesting participants felt their resilience skills (coping skills for example) and knowledge of resilience was improved. Qualitative results suggest that participants felt the programme would be acceptable to other members of the Defence Forces, and that it would be useful in the Defence Forces Context. The findings of this PhD show that the RIPSTOP programme has potential for being an effective pre-deployment resilience building programme in the Irish Defence Forces and a larger randomised controlled trial is warranted prior to roll out within the organisation.