Examining stress Tolerance and Self-Efficacy in Soldiers

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the relationship between soldiers' physical self-efficacy, general self-efficacy, and stress tolerance. The study examined 34 male soldiers from the Latvian National Armed Forces, utilizing the Self-Efficacy to Regulate Exercise Scale, The General Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Determination test (DT) from the Vienna Test System. The testing was conducted individually face-to-face in a laboratory setting, utilizing a computer-based valid measuring instrument to assess the stress tolerance of the participants. This assessment was complemented by physical self-efficacy and general self-efficacy questionnaires. Our findings highlighted the significance of soldiers' physical self-efficacy, as it exhibits positive and substantial relationships with stress tolerance. The regression model for physical self-efficacy was statistical significance. Specifically, general self-efficacy and stress tolerance demonstrated a positive predictive effect on physical self-efficacy. This implies that higher general self-efficacy and stress tolerance correspond to greater physical self-efficacy. The implications of these findings are crucial because they highlight the role of self-efficacy and stress tolerance in determining soldiers' physical self-efficacy levels. Understanding these relationships can have implications for military training programs and interventions aimed at improving the performance of soldiers, their stress tolerance, mental resilience, and well-being. This study holds both theoretical and empirical value. Furthermore, these findings may be extended beyond military context, offering valuable implications for other high stress professions.