Testing a resilience model among Canadian Forces recruits.

Evidence suggests that personal characteristics serve as resilience factors, and may protect military personnel against the development of psychological distress, even during stressful conditions. Structural equation modeling analyses were conducted on data from Canadian Forces candidates undertaking their basic training (N = 200) to test the fit of a model of resilience that is comprised of several individual characteristics, such as personality, hardiness, and coping. The most parsimonious model of resilience with the best fit to the data was identified. This model consisted of neuroticism, military hardiness, and problem-solving coping. The results of the study were consistent with previous research, showing that personality, military hardiness, and coping are important predictors of life satisfaction and health. The proposed resilience model offers a useful approach for the development of training programs to enhance readiness and recovery in the military context.