scholarly journals Exploring the role of motivational and coping resources in a Special Forces selection process

2014 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marié De Beer ◽  
Adelai Van Heerden

Orientation: Motivational and coping resources were explored within a military context by means of a mixed-methods survey study involving a group of Special Forces candidates.Research purpose: The purpose was to compare selected and not-selected candidates in terms of their sense of coherence, hardiness, locus of control and self-efficacy and to explore what they considered important for success in the selection process.Motivation for the study: Because of high attrition rates in Special Forces selection, the evaluation of the role of motivation and coping resources in terms of possible predictive utility could benefit the organisation from a logistical, financial and efficiency point of view.Research design, approach and method: A mixed-method cross-sectional survey design was used to assess an all-male candidate group (N = 73). The selected and not-selected groups were compared with regard to their sense of coherence, hardiness, locus of control and self-efficacy mean scores.Main findings: No statistically significant differences were found between the mean scores of the two groups concerning the quantitative measures used.Practical/managerial implications: The quantitative measures generally showed acceptable coefficient alpha reliabilities. Although no statistically significant mean differences were found between the groups, candidates showed high levels of sense of coherence, high levels of self-efficacy and average levels of hardiness and internal locus of control. The qualitative data confirmed the relevance of the quantitative constructs and pointed to additional aspects already considered in preparation for and during the selection process.Contribution/value-add: The results provide information regarding the constructs and measures used in a military context.

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 352-360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Bonino ◽  
Federica Graziano ◽  
Martina Borghi ◽  
Davide Marengo ◽  
Giorgia Molinengo ◽  
...  

Abstract. This research developed a new scale to evaluate Self-Efficacy in Multiple Sclerosis (SEMS). The aim of this study was to investigate dimensionality, item functioning, measurement invariance, and concurrent validity of the SEMS scale. Data were collected from 203 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients (mean age, 39.5 years; 66% women; 95% having a relapsing remitting form of MS). Fifteen items of the SEMS scale were submitted to patients along with measures of psychological well-being, sense of coherence, depression, and coping strategies. Data underwent Rasch analysis and correlation analysis. Rasch analysis indicates the SEMS as a multidimensional construct characterized by two correlated dimensions: goal setting and symptom management, with satisfactory reliability coefficients. Overall, the 15 items reported acceptable fit statistics; the scale demonstrated measurement invariance (with respect to gender and disease duration) and good concurrent validity (positive correlations with psychological well-being, sense of coherence, and coping strategies and negative correlations with depression). Preliminary evidence suggests that SEMS is a psychometrically sound measure to evaluate perceived self-efficacy of MS patients with moderate disability, and it would be a valuable instrument for both research and clinical applications.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Binwu Hu ◽  
Qiang Zheng ◽  
Jie Wu ◽  
Zhibin Tang ◽  
Jianchun Zhu ◽  
...  

Farmers have been very precious for societies for ages. Their active experiments, valuable knowledge about their surroundings, environment, and crops’ requirements have been a vital part of society. However, the psychological perspectives have been a hole in the loop of farming. Hence, this study has investigated the antecedents of entrepreneurial behaviors of farmers with the mediating risk of their entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE). The population chosen for this study was the farming community of suburbs of China, and a sample size of 300 was selected for the data collection. This is a survey study, where a structured questionnaire was adapted on a five-point Likert scale. The data were collected from the farming community to know their psychological and behavioral preferences about their profession. This study has produced interesting results that education, training, and intrinsic motivation play a vital role in farmers’ ESE, affecting their entrepreneurial behaviors. This study will add to the body of knowledge and provide an eminent path for emerging entrepreneurs to find more mentorship opportunities to overcome the limitations in upcoming endeavors influencing education and training.


2013 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 427-439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Uzi Levi ◽  
Michal Einav ◽  
Ilana Raskind ◽  
Orit Ziv ◽  
Malka Margalit

Author(s):  
Nitika Sharma ◽  
Madan Lal ◽  
Pankaj Deshwal

The article theoretically explores and empirically examines the relationship between spiritually motivated environmentalism (SME) and green purchasing intentions (GPI). Also, the mediating role of psychographic variables, namely environmental self-efficacy (ESE), environmental locus of control (ELOC), and environmental empathy (EE), were tested on the SME and GPI. A total of 223 Indian respondents filled out the administered questionnaire to validate the hypothesis, and collected data were analysed using SEM and Hayes's Parallel Multiple Mediation Model. The effect of SME was found significantly positive on GPI through ESE, ELOC, and EE. The findings from the study indicate that spirituality motivates green buying among consumers. Also, green purchasing augments in presence of consumers' self-efficacy, locus of control, and empathy towards environment.


2004 ◽  
Vol 95 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1163-1171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul J. Chara ◽  
Kathleen A. Chara

33 survivors of the U.S.S. Emmons ( M age = 79.7 yr., SD = 2.3), which was sunk by kamikaze attacks during World War II, were given an adapted form of the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist–Civilian and a set of questions regarding 8 coping resources they may have used during the war. Participants were categorized into three groups: those who served on the Emmons at any given time during World War II (Any Service), those who experienced combat while aboard the Emmons or another ship during World War II (Any Combat), and those who were serving on board the Emmons when it was sunk during the battle for Okinawa island (Okinawa). Analyses using a one-tailed Spearman rank-order correlation indicated that scores on only one coping resource, Character Strength, were significantly correlated with lower symptoms of PTSD for all three groups (Any Service: rs = −.46, p < .01; Any Combat: rs = −.47, p < .01; Okinawa: rs = −.45, p < .05). The findings suggest that, for the survivors of the Emmons, psychological qualities, not social influences, were associated with a lower risk for developing PTSD.


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