Work

Dynamic relationships between psychological capital and adaptation in new military recruits: a longitudinal cross-lagged panel network analysis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: New recruits face severe psychological problems due to military adaption. This study examined the dynamic interplay between psychological capital (PsyCap) and adaptation among recruits during their initial training period. A total of 988 male recruits were assessed at three time points over an 8-week period, with cross-lagged panel network (CLPN) analysis employed to model predictive pathways and identify key nodes. Optimism had the strongest impact on the early adaptation (T1→T2), acting as a central linking bridge between PsyCap and the adaptation dimensions. Later in the T2→T3 stage, hope emerged as the strongest predictor, especially in relation to the reduction of the physical and psychological symptoms and an improvement in the role cognition. Resilience was a robust predictor of symptom improvement. The results reveal evolving roles of PsyCap components during adaptation, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions for enhancing adaptation among new recruits.

Source: Frontiers in Psychiatry

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1691043

Authors: Qiao Zhang, Chen Xu, Min Li

Institution: Army Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Optimism, Hope, and Well-being

Subfield: Applied Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801