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Psychological Hardiness and Coping Style as Risk/Resilience Factors for Alcohol Abuse

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Psychological Hardiness and Coping Style as Risk/Resilience Factors for Alcohol Abuse
Psychological Hardiness and Coping Style as Risk/Resilience Factors for Alcohol Abuse
Michelle Clayton
Indiana Institute of Technology
Introduction to Psychology/1700
August 2, 2012
Rita Polivick

Abstract
Alcohol abuse is a growing problem in the military, and a costly one. The present study evaluates the potential role of psychological hardiness an individual resilience resource, to stress-related problem drinking in a military population. We assess the association of psychological hardiness and avoidance coping style with alcohol use patterns in a large national sample of Norwegian military defense personnel. Results show that low hardiness and high avoidance coping are significant predictors of alcohol abuse. Also, the challenge facet of hardiness predicts risk of alcohol abuse among respondents with recent deployment experience, and this effect is greater for those with harsh deployment experiences. Older defense workers are also at higher risk, suggesting cumulative occupational stress may take a toll. This research indicates that hardiness and avoidance coping measures may serve as useful adjunct screening tools for alcohol abuse in the military.

Psychological Hardiness and Coping Style as Risk/Resilience Factors for Alcohol Abuse
Working at a homeless shelter that deals directly with alcoholism and drug addiction would be the reason for my choosing this article. I see daily the need for more organizations to help those suffering from the disease of addiction. In addition to the general need, the neediness specifically for our veterans, both current and past, are even greater. Although this test was done in Norway, I believe much can be learned.
Low Hardiness Vs High Hardiness Military personnel who have had numerous deployments and/or combat related wounds were not only at a higher risk of mental health problems; they were also at a high risk for alcohol problems. A defining factor in this is has been explained on how a person


References: Bartone, Brevik, Eid, & Hystad (2012) Psychological Hardiness and Coping Style as Risk/Resilienc Factors for Alcohol Abuse. Military Medicine, 2012; 177: 517-524
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