Benue State University, Makurdi

SELF ESTEEM AND SOCIAL SUPPORT AS CORRELATES OF COMBAT STRESS AMONG 213 FORWARD OPERATING BASE, NIGERIAN AIR FORCE PERSONNEL IN KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

Faith Monday Ajodo, Joseph Ibrahim Orume, Monday Akawu & Andrew E. Zamani

Abstract

The research aimed to explore the factors associated with self-esteem and social support in relation to combat stress among Nigerian Air Force Personnel stationed at the 213 Forward Operating Base in Katsina State, Nigeria. The study focused on the experiences of personnel during combat operations and how their personal characteristics and support networks affected their behavior. A total of 187 (84.2%) male and 35 (15.8%) female participants who had been deployed for duration ranging from 1 month to over 2 years took part in the study. They completed four sets of research instruments, including the Unit Support Scale, Family/Friends Support Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Combat Exposure Scale. Three hypotheses were formulated and tested. Pearson Product-Moment Correlations and Multiple Regression Analysis, were used to test the hypotheses. The results indicated the following: the first hypothesis showed a statistically significant positive relationship (r(220)= 0.148, p < 0.05) between self-esteem and combat stress; the second hypothesis revealed a statistically significant negative correlation between family and friend's support and unit support (r= -310, p < 0.01); and the third hypothesis demonstrated a significant impact of family and friend's support (â= -.472, t= -7.491, p < .01), but no significant impact of self-esteem (â= .033, t= .555, p > .01) or unit support (â= -.067, t= -1.098, p > .01) on personnel's combat stress. Additionally, the results showed a significant combined effect of self-esteem and social support (R= .506, F= 24.974, p < 0.01) on combat stress among the personnel. The study concludes thatself-esteem and social support systems have a significant relationship with combat stress thus, suggested that self-esteem and social support play a significant role in influencing combat stress among personnel. Based on the findings, it was recommended, among other things, to provide combatants with training on self-esteem and the importance of social support before and after combat operations. It was also suggested to organize stimulating events to help combatants cope with trauma.

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