Religiosity as a Moderator of Self-Efficacy and Social Support in Predicting Traumatic Stress Among Combat Soldiers

Abstract

Based on a sample of 54 Israeli soldiers (51 % non-religious, 49 % religious) surveyed upon their return from combat, this study investigates the moderating role of religiosity as a factor that may strengthen cognitive processing tied to the belief in oneself to persevere (i.e., self-efficacy) after trauma and/or as a factor tied to enhanced external social support that religious individuals in particular may benefit from by their involvement in a religious community. Findings revealed (1) social support was tied to greater resilience within the general sample; (2) religious soldiers were less susceptible to traumatic stress than non-religious soldiers; and (3) religiosity moderated the relationship between self-efficacy and traumatic stress but not the relationship between social support and traumatic stress. Implications of findings are discussed.

Religiosity and the psychological outcomes of trauma: A systematic review of quantitative studies

“…Studies using the term “organised religiosity” were also included here. Religiosity as a predictor of lower severity of PTSD symptoms was demonstrated in Currier, Drescher, and Harris (), Currier, Holland, and Drescher (), Ali, Farooq, Bhatti, and Kuroiwa (), Fares et al (), Israel‐Cohen, Kaplan, Noy, and Kashy‐Rosenbaum (), and Sharma et al (); it predicted lower levels of other types of symptoms in Currier, Mallot, Martinez, Sandy, and Neimeyer (), Finklestein, Laufer, and Solomon (), and Kopacz, Currier, and Pigeon (). Wang, Wang, and Han () showed nonsignificant or negligible associations.…”

“…Harris et al () examined the mediating role of social support (multiple types of trauma and PTSD) and found a specific significant effect of other religiosity variables. Israel‐Cohen et al () tested whether relationships between social support and PTSD differed depending on the religiosity level—No significant differences were found. On the basis of the limited existing evidence, the associations between religiosity and mental health in the context of trauma are not a proxy of social support.…”

An investigation of relationship correlates and predictors of cultural adjustment among missionaries.

“…Relationships have been found to impact various aspects of both physical and psychological well-being (Brown, Nesse, Vinokur, & Smith, 2003;Caligiuri & Lazarova, 2002;Israel-Cohen, Kaplan, Noy, & Kashy-Rosenbaum, 2016;ShakespeareFinch & Obst, 2011;Shakespeare-Finch, Rees, & Armstrong, 2014).…”

“…According to James et al (2004), social support is defined as "perceived availability of potential social resources" and can include "appraisal support (advice and discussion), belonging support (identification with a social network), and tangible support (material aid)" (p. 11). The value of supportive relationships has been examined in various groups of people, including emergency response professionals (ShakespeareFinch et al, 2014), police officers (Stephens, Long, & Miller, 1997), and military personnel (Israel-Cohen et al, 2016). Similarly, relationships have been examined as part of the cultural transition process.…”

“…Supportive relationships have been shown to help individuals dealing with stressful or difficult situations (Caligiuri & Lazarova, 2002;Israel-Cohen et al, 2016;Shakespeare-Finch et al, 2014). Understanding more about how a missionary's supportive relationships with God and other people can impact missionary adjustment to a new culture may help with the often-stressful adjustment process.…”