Engaging the Self in the Field: Testing the Triangle Model of Responsibility

Abstract

This study tested the Triangle Model of Responsibility in predicting the experience and effects of self-engagement among U.S. Army soldiers. The different components of the Triangle Model independently predicted engagement in different samples. Furthermore, differences in engagement among units during a military operation were a function of the components of the model. Another study showed that soldiers’ perceptions of their leaders’ views of the components of the model predicted soldiers’ views of how much their leaders thought they were engaged in their job and that discrepancies between soldiers’ own views and their views of their leaders were related to lower trust and confidence in unit leaders. Finally, work-related experiences were more likely to be related to the psychological health of soldiers when they were engaged in their jobs than when they were disengaged. The results shed light on the role of self-engagement in the process of self-regulation.