Predeployment Motivation and Ambivalence Among Canadian Forces Augmentees: The Influence of Demographic Factors
Abstract
This research explores one aspect of the predeployment phase of our recent conceptual model of psychological adaptation to peace support operations [1] in more detail, examining the impact of demographic variables on the predeployment motivation and ambivalence (or intrapersonal conflict) levels of Canadian Forces (CF) augmentees to peace support operations. More specifically, we assess the average ambivalence and motivation levels of a sample of Canadian Forces (CF) augmentees undergoing training for an upcoming peace support operation and investigate the relationship between predeployment motivation and ambivalence levels and selected demographic factors of this sample. 698 CF soldiers who were undergoing a predeployment training course at Peace Support Training Centre (PSTC), CFB Kingston, completed the questionnaire that included a series of demographic questions and asked two questions concerning their overall level of motivation and ambivalence concerning their upcoming deployment. Analysis indicated that whether a soldier had volunteered for the mission had the largest impact on these motivational indicators of predeployment readiness, with volunteers having significantly higher levels of motivation to deploy and less ambivalence about the upcoming deployment, relative to soldiers who were tasked. Occupation Group was also related to both motivation toward and ambivalence about the upcoming deployment. These results are considered in terms of the composition of this sample of augmentees and directions for future research in this area are discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA633905
Entities
People
- Megan M. Thompson
- Monique A. Gignac
Organizations
- Defence Research and Development Canada