The Relationship Between Negative Coping Styles, Psychological Resilience, and Positive Coping Styles in Military Personnel: A Cross-Lagged Analysis

Abstract

Background Military personnel experience prolonged exposure to high-stress environments. Positive coping styles can assist in maintaining their mental and behavioral well-being, whereas negative coping styles cannot. Health behavior change theory specifies that an individual can transition from a negative to a positive coping style. The psychological resilience concept may prove vital in this transition. Methods In a longitudinal study design, two questionnaires were administered to 233 military personnel twice, the first at T1 in April 2023 and the second at T2 in July 2023. The questionnaire measured individual negative coping style, positive coping style and psychological resilience. Results The data showed that the negative coping style at T1 negatively predicted the level of psychological resilience at T2 (γ= - 0.26, p < 0.001) and the positive coping style at T2 (γ= - 0.16, p < 0.001). The level of psychological resilience at T1 positively predicted the positive coping style at T2 (γ= 0.22, p < 0.01). Psychological resilience played a mediating role between negative coping style and positive coping style. In addition, there was an interaction between psychological resilience and positive coping style in military personnel at the two time points. Conclusion The negative coping styles that presently exist among military personnel have the potential to diminish their future positive coping styles by lowering their psychological resilience. This highlights the need to focus on the development and training of psychological resilience for military personnel, as it can effectively counteract negative coping styles and promote positive coping styles.

Physical activity and school adaptation among Chinese junior high school students: chain mediation of resilience and coping styles

“…Conversely, students who abstain from or resist participation in physical activity correlates with diminished resilience compared to those with elevated physical activity (Li et al, 2022). Individuals with lower resilience levels exhibit inadequate coping abilities when faced with setbacks and pressures (Zou et al, 2024), such as avoidance and self-blame (Wang et al, 2020). These negative coping mechanisms impede effective problem resolution, leading to the postponement or neglect of issues and, consequently, exacerbating challenges in school adaptation (Wu, 2012).…”