Demographic characteristic correlate to emotional reactions of soldiers

Entering the military environment in early youth is a very critical period in young people’s lives in all countries and being in such conditions is often accompanied by tension, anxiety and emotional reactions. This study was performed with the aim of evaluating the demographic characteristics related to emotional reactions in training course soldiers.

In this cross-sectional descriptive-analyzing study, two companies with a total number of 320 soldiers were selected by simple random sampling method from some garrisons in different states of the country, and 291 soldiers entered the study. Their stress, anxiety and depression status was assessed using DASS 21 standard questionnaire. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and parametric statistical tests by SPSS 15.

The amount of stress, anxiety and depression was severe or very severe in 14.8%, 31.3% and 18.2% of soldiers, respectively. Considering the relationship between emotional responses and demographic factors, results showed that there was a significant relationship between education, previous job, satisfaction with income, type of supervision, drug history and family history of mental disease with the rate of emotional reaction (p<0.05).

Considering the great amount of emotional reactions in soldiers and the impact of military environment stress factors on intensification of such reactions, administrative and educational measures should be taken in order to prevent, control and reduce these reactions during soldiers’ training course.