Psychological Analyses of Courageous Performance in Military Personnel.
Abstract
This research examined the nature of courageous performance and ways in which it can be promoted. The practical objective was to develop methods for predicting courageous performance. Military personnel who perform hazardous duties were studied before and after training, during operational duties, and under laboratory stress. Various measures were used to assess their behavior, subjective reactions, and psychophysiological responses. The bulk of the research was carried out on military bomb-disposal operators. Supplementary studies were carried out on veterans of the Falklands war and on soldiers undergoing parachute training. The studies confirm the significant and positive psychological effects of the training procedures, the cumulative effects of operational duty on levels of confidence and skill, the psychological differences between experienced and inexperienced operators, the psychological problems that arise during operations, and the aftereffects of a tour of active duty. In addition, we determined that most bomb-disposal operators performed fearlessly on virtually all missions, and that during the 4-month tour of duty their mood states were stable. A psychometric analysis of a group of operators who received decorations for gallantry revealed some differences in personality between these soldiers and another highly competent group of operators. The probability that there is a small group of soldiers who are especially capable of carrying out dangerous tasks for fearlessly was strengthened by a psychophysiological study of reactions to stress. We found some (physiological) differences between decorated operators and nondecorated operators, who were in turn less reactive to stress than civilian control subjects.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA241226
Entities
People
- Stanley J. Rachman
Organizations
- University of British Columbia