Resilience Among Naval Recruits: A Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of Interventions at Recruit Training Command and Implications on Fleet Readiness
Abstract
This study is designed to quantitatively and qualitatively measure recruit resilience at Naval Recruit Training Command (RTC) and to develop interventions that will increase recruit resilience. This study administered three resilience-building interventions to 713 recruits across eight divisions and collected surveys at four time intervals to measure changes in self-reported resilience. We conducted interviews with recruits and Recruit Division Commanders (RDCs) to gather qualitative data on significant factors that affect the resilience-building process. Our quantitative analysis methods included difference mean tests, regression analysis, and correlation analysis to determine the most effective interventions. Qualitative analysis methods are used to provide insight on recruit behavior, mental state, and internal resilience. Our quantitative results suggest that Appreciative Guided Conversations using positive, meaningful experience-based questions yield significant increases in recruit resilience. Our qualitative analysis revealed numerous enablers, disablers, and facilitators (RDCs) that impact the recruit resilience process. The influence of family and religion cannot be overstated as sources that have a positive effect in a recruits resilience process. We recommend that RTC implement a long-term resilience intervention program of Appreciative Guided Conversations for all recruits. By improving recruit resilience, RTC can graduate stronger, healthier recruits who will positively contribute to fleet readiness.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1027184
Entities
People
- Caroline C. Brown
- Maribel Challburg
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School