Self-Reliance and Military Service Training Outcomes

The purpose of these 2 studies was to examine the self-reliance of basic military trainees in the U.S. Air Force. Study 1 was a cross-sectional, comparative analysis of 3 groups of basic military trainees (N = 158). Study 2 was a predictive validity study of 13 groups of basic military trainees (N = 1,339). Both studies indicated that self-reliant trainees fared better in training than did their less self-reliant counterparts. They were healthier, had higher self-esteem, lower burnout, and higher completion rates. A post hoc analysis of self-reliance, self-esteem, and burnout is reported. Given that self-reliance appears important, we suggest developmental activities for enhanc- ing self-reliance in military organizations.

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