Grensverleggende activiteiten: een evaluatie (Stress Resistance Training: An Evaluation).
Abstract
This report evaluates the stress resistance training course of the Royal Netherlands Army (RNLA). This training course encompasses a variety of demanding tasks that must be carried out under hazardous and stressful circumstances, and aims at enhancing stress tolerance. The course includes rock climbing, parachute jumping and diving. On the basis on the literature on 'development training' (DT) and 'learned resourcefulness' (LR), a theoretical framework is developed that may be used to evaluate the training course. DT refers to a variety of training courses for groups which employ the principles of 'experimental learning' and which are commonly organized in the open air. The positive influence of DT on stress tolerance may be explained on the basis of the concept of LR. LR refers to a set of beliefs, cognitive/behavioral skills and self-regulation techniques, which form the basis of the ability to successfully cope with internal and environmental stressors. The evaluation suggests that the stress resistance training course of the RNLA shares many features of DT, but that more emphasis could be given to the formation of cognitive and behavioral coping techniques. Additionally, the existing possibilities for teamwork and leadership training appear not to be optimally used. It is recommended to implement a number of changes in the training course, which revolve around: (1) the setup of the course and the nature of the exercises, (2) measures to enhance the quality of the formative aspects, (3) better collaboration between the participants, and (4) the possibilities for leadership training and team building.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA321044
Entities
People
- C. J. Wientjes