Job Stress and Coping in Army Casualty Operations Workers
Abstract
Army Casualty Assistance work has no directly comparable civilian occupation. However, like civilian human service occupation, soldiers working in the casualty area are susceptible to job stressor that can lead to low morale, stress, burnout and psychiatric illness. In order to ascertain sources of job related stress and coping mechanisms, this report describes the role of one type of Army casualty worker, the 'Notification NCO.' In addition to comparing different types of casualty workers with the Notification NCO, this study utilizes multiple research methods including participant observation, interview surveys, oral histories and instrument measures over a one year period. The salient job stressors uncovered are exposure to death through telephonic contact with bereaved family members and learning the details surrounding an individual soldier's injury or death. Job stressors are moderated by informal hiring practices, effective on-the-job training, commitment to the mission and calm, knowledgeable leaders. Recommendations for alleviating job stressors and strategies for enhancing coping mechanisms are provided.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 14, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA231252
Entities
People
- Morten G. Ender
- Paul Bartone
Organizations
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research