Alcohol use linked to lower psychological resilience in soldiers, study finds

Regular consumption of alcohol is linked to reduced mental fortitude among soldiers. A recent analysis of Spanish Army personnel found that those who consume at least one alcoholic beverage daily exhibit lower levels of emotional intelligence and self-worth. These findings suggest that the coping mechanisms often used to manage military stress may actually erode the psychological tools necessary for service. The research was published in the journal Military Psychology.

Military service imposes unique and heavy demands on the human mind. Personnel face rigorous physical challenges and the potential for life-threatening situations. They also endure frequent separation from their families and support networks. This environment requires a high degree of psychological robustness. Soldiers must maintain mental stability to perform their duties effectively.

Researchers have identified three specific traits that aid in this adaptation. The first is emotional intelligence. This is the ability to recognize and manage one’s own feelings. It also involves understanding the emotions of others. This trait is vital for teamwork and leadership.

The second trait is resilience. This defines an individual’s capacity to recover from adversity. A resilient soldier can bounce back from traumatic events without lasting psychological damage. It acts as a shield against conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder.

The third trait is self-esteem. This represents the evaluation a person makes of their own worth. High self-esteem is associated with the motivation to succeed. It also lowers the risk of failure in high-pressure tasks. These three resources work together to protect mental health.

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However, the culture of military life often includes alcohol. Drinking is a common social activity and a method for relieving stress. Soldiers may turn to alcohol to cope with loneliness or exhaustion. The researchers wanted to know if this habit helps or hinders their mental state.

José Gabriel Soriano-Sánchez led the investigation into this relationship. He is a researcher at the University of Jaén in Spain. He collaborated with Sylvia Sastre-Riba from the University of La Rioja. They aimed to quantify the link between drinking habits and psychological strength.

The team recruited a large group of participants for the study. The final sample consisted of 739 members of the Spanish Army. All participants were stationed at a base in Almeria, Spain. The group included a mix of operational and support units.

The demographics of the group reflected the general makeup of the armed forces. The vast majority of the participants were men. They made up nearly 88 percent of the total sample. The remaining 12 percent were women. The average age of the soldiers was approximately 33 years old.

The researchers used a cross-sectional design for their analysis. This means they collected data at a single point in time. They administered an anonymous questionnaire to the soldiers. This survey asked about sociodemographic details and daily habits.

The definition of a “daily consumer” was specific. It applied to anyone who ingested at least 10 milliliters of pure alcohol every day. This is roughly equivalent to one standard drink, such as a beer or a glass of wine. Those who drank less frequently were classified as non-daily consumers.

The team used standardized psychological instruments to measure mental health. They assessed emotional intelligence using the EQ-i-M20 inventory. This test breaks down emotional skills into categories like stress management and adaptability.

Resilience was measured using the Resilience Scale. This tool evaluates personal competence and the acceptance of life’s difficulties. Finally, the Rosenberg Scale was used to measure self-esteem. This is a widely accepted tool for gauging how positive a person feels about themselves.

The results of the study revealed a consistent negative pattern. Soldiers who drank alcohol every day scored lower on all three psychological measures. Their overall emotional intelligence was lower than that of their peers. This deficit appeared in their ability to manage stress and handle interpersonal relationships.

Resilience scores showed a similar decline among daily drinkers. The data indicated these individuals were less equipped to adapt to adverse experiences. Their self-esteem scores were also lower. This suggests a link between daily drinking and a poorer self-image.

The researchers highlighted the clarity of this association in their report. They stated, “Daily alcohol consumption is negatively associated with the resilience, emotional intelligence, and self-esteem of military personnel.” The statistical analysis confirmed that these differences were not random.

The study identified 114 participants as daily drinkers. This group represented about 15 percent of the total sample. The gender breakdown within this group was notable. Men were far more likely to be daily drinkers than women.

Specifically, nearly 78 percent of the daily drinkers were male. Only about 22 percent were female. This suggests that men in the military may be more prone to using alcohol as a daily habit. However, the negative impact on mental metrics was present regardless of gender.

The researchers also examined the length of military service. They wanted to see if veteran soldiers drank more than new recruits. The analysis showed no connection between years of service and daily alcohol intake. A long career did not automatically lead to higher consumption.

To further understand the data, the researchers performed a cluster analysis. This statistical technique groups individuals based on shared characteristics. Two distinct profiles emerged from the participants.

The first cluster consisted of soldiers with healthier psychological profiles. These individuals had higher resilience, emotional intelligence, and self-esteem. They were also the ones who did not consume alcohol daily.

The second cluster comprised soldiers with a more vulnerable profile. These individuals exhibited lower scores across all mental health measures. This group was defined by their daily alcohol consumption. This clustering reinforces the idea that these variables are interconnected.

The authors propose that alcohol acts as a maladaptive coping mechanism. It may provide temporary relief from feelings of isolation or stress. However, it appears to hinder the development of genuine emotional regulation.

Instead of processing difficult emotions, a daily drinker might suppress them. This prevents the strengthening of resilience. Over time, this could leave the soldier less prepared for the psychological demands of their job.

There are limitations to this study that must be considered. The design was cross-sectional. This means it cannot prove that alcohol causes lower resilience. It is possible that the relationship works in the opposite direction.

Soldiers with low self-esteem or poor emotional coping skills might turn to alcohol. They may drink because they lack other ways to manage stress. The current data does not indicate which factor comes first. Only a long-term study could determine causality.

The sample was also limited to the Spanish Army. Military cultures vary by country and by branch of service. The Navy or Air Force might display different patterns. The findings may not apply perfectly to every military context.

Future research is needed to clarify these relationships. The authors suggest longitudinal studies that track soldiers over many years. This would help determine if drinking degrades mental health or if poor mental health leads to drinking.

Researchers should also look at personality traits. Factors like neuroticism could drive both substance use and low self-esteem. Understanding these underlying personality drivers provides a more complete picture.

The study, “Influence of alcohol consumption on resilience, emotional intelligence, and self-esteem in army personnel: A cross-sectional study,” was authored by José Gabriel Soriano-Sánchez and Sylvia Sastre-Riba.