Personality, Personal Values and Growth in Military Special Unit Patrol Teams Operating in a Polar Environment

Abstract

This longitudinal study assessed personality traits, personal values and personal growth of six two-man Danish military Sirius Patrol teams. The NEO Personality InventoryRevised (NEO PI-R) findings indicated a psychologically adapted group, consistent with the elevation on the Triarchic Psychopathy Measure (TriPM) Boldness factor. Self-direction, Universalism, and Stimulation were the highest rated and stable values on the Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ); the Power value showed a significant linear increase over time. The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) findings indicated perceptions of considerable growth through participating in the Sirius Patrol. Assessment of the combination of personality traits and value hierarchies of other military groups in relation to types of operations engaged in is considered.