Higher-order model of resilience in the Canadian forces.

Abstract

Psychological resilience is an important construct for those who work in high-stress, potentiallytraumatic occupations. Using data collected as part of the Canadian Forces (CF) Recruit HealthQuestionnaire (RHQ), structural equation modelling analyses were performed to test the fit of amodel of resilience comprised of several intrapersonal resilience factors (i.e., Big Five personalitytraits, dispositional affect, dispositional optimism, hardiness, mastery, self-esteem) and one inter-personal resilience factor (i.e., social support). An initial model showed that all lower-orderintrapersonal variables loaded significantly onto a higher-order intrapersonal resilience latent factor,and that this factor was significantly correlated with social support. However, the strong intercor-relations between a few of the intrapersonal variables pointed to some redundancy. Based onempirical data and on a conceptual analysis, an alternative, more parsimonious model of resiliencewas developed. This model consisted of the Big Five personality traits, positive affect, and masteryas lower-order factors of dispositional resilience, which was hypothesised to be correlated withsocial support. This analysis is an important first step to developing an approach to conceptualiseand measure resilience. One benefit of being able to assess resilience is that doing so can inform thedevelopment of programs to enhance mental health, readiness and recovery. However, more researchis needed to understand the processes through which these psychological factors influence occupa-tional as well as health outcomes before relevant policies may be developed.Keywords: psychological resilience, hardiness, mastery, military psychology