Battlemind Training: Transitioning Home from Combat
Abstract
All Soldiers returning from combat encounter a paradox. The behaviors and emotions that kept them alive on the battlefield are not appropriate for their homes and families. They've come from physically harsh, mentally demanding, chaotic, and dangerous circumstances where no alcohol is permitted and where there are no civilian friends or close family members with whom to relate. Destruction, injury, and death were ever present in the combat zone. Transitioning from combat to home can be difficult, and many Soldiers encounter readjustment problems ranging from elevated post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms to sleep problems to marital and family issues. But most of these Soldiers will not seek help due to the psychological stigma associated with admitting to having a mental health problem. The key precept in Battlemind Training is that all Soldiers have the necessary skills to successfully transition home. By building on the Soldiers' existing skills and inner mental strengths, the transitioning home process can be enhanced. Battlemind training focuses on 10 specific skills, each labeled with one letter of the word BATTLEMIND. Soldiers are taught to change how they might react or think now that they are back home. In this study, Soldiers returning home from a year of combat duty in Iraq were randomly assigned by platoon to one of two conditions: Standard Stress Education or Battlemind Training. All Soldiers (N=860) completed a survey prior to training and again 3 months later. The survey consisted of numerous scales and items, including a 31-item Combat Experience Scale, the 17-item Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Check List, the Patient Health Questionnaire for depression, a 4-item anger scale, and a 7-item psychological stigma scale. Soldiers who received Battlemind Training reported fewer mental health problems and less stigma compared to Soldiers who received the Standard Stress Education Training. Thirty-nine briefing charts summarize the presentation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA481083
Entities
People
- Amy B Adler
- Anthony Cox
- Carl A. Castro
- Charles W. Hoge
- Charles W. Milliken
- Dennis Mcgurk
- Paul D. Bliese
Organizations
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research