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Larsson, G., Nilsson, S. & Ohlsson, A. (2024). Daily uplifts, daily hassles, and coping in military veterans: post-deployment reintegration. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 65(1), 16-25
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Daily uplifts, daily hassles, and coping in military veterans: post-deployment reintegration
2024 (English)In: Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, ISSN 0036-5564, E-ISSN 1467-9450, Vol. 65, no 1, p. 16-25Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Our first aim was to explore the relationship between daily uplifts, daily hassles, and coping styles the first year after returning from international military missions and post-deployment work, family, and private reintegration in military veterans. Our second aim was to identify individual patterns regarding daily uplifts, daily hassles, and coping styles and to explore how they relate to the above-mentioned aspects of post-deployment reintegration. Questionnaire responses were received from 446 Swedish military veterans. Regression analyses showed that daily hassles and an escape-avoidance coping style made significant contributions in the predicted, negative direction to the amount of explained variance on reintegration indicator scales. A high level of perceived threat during the last mission also contributed to more negative integration. Using a person-centered approach, three unique profiles of response patterns were identified using a cluster analysis based on the uplift, hassles, and coping style scores. One profile was labeled “resilient and well-functioning”; its members showed favorable reintegration scores. A second profile was called “ambitious and struggling.” These individuals scored medium-high on the reintegration scales. The third profile consistently indicated the least favorable reintegration scores and was labeled “worried and avoidant.” The results confirm and deepen our existing knowledge.

Keywords
Daily uplifts, daily hassles, coping, post-deployment reintegration, veterans, individual profiles
National Category
Psychology
Research subject
Leadership and Command & Control
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:fhs:diva-11843 (URN)10.1111/sjop.12949 (DOI)
Available from: 2023-10-04 Created: 2023-10-04 Last updated: 2024-02-07Bibliographically approved
Larsson, G., Nilsson, S., Ohlsson, A. & Svensén, S. (2024). Military veterans' perception of quality of care following international operations. Cogent Psychology, 11(1)
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Military veterans' perception of quality of care following international operations
2024 (English)In: Cogent Psychology, E-ISSN 2331-1908, Vol. 11, no 1Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

A high number of military veterans seek professional help at primary healthcare centers for mental health problems. The main aim of this study was to map veterans’ perception of the quality of the care they received when seeking such help after their last tour of duty. A secondary aim was to explore personality and mission-related characteristics of veterans who seek professional help for mental health problems after missions. Questionnaire responses were obtained from 2512 Swedish veterans (43.4% response rate). Among the responders, 210 individuals had sought help for mental health problems at primary healthcare centers. Their perception of the quality of the healthcare was measured using the Quality from the Patient’s Perspective (QPP) questionnaire, which is derived from a theoretical model. Comparisons between the military help seekers and an age and gender matched group of civilian outpatients showed that the military group perceived the information they had received, and the commitment, empathy and respect shown by the physicians, considerably more negatively than the civilian patients. Comparisons between the help-seeking veterans and those who had not sought help, showed that the help seekers were younger and scored significantly lower on emotional stability and higher on conscientiousness. In addition, they perceived the leadership of their immediate commander during the last tour of duty more negatively and they reported fewer daily uplifts and more daily hassles during the tour. It was concluded that a more extensive collaboration between the armed forces and the healthcare system is strongly recommended and that it is necessary to provide education to healthcare providers.

Keywords
Veterans, primary care, quality of caretheory-based assessment, quality from the patient’s perspective (QPP) questionnaire, age, gender, personality, military, leadership, stress
National Category
Other Social Sciences
Research subject
Leadership and Command & Control
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:fhs:diva-11745 (URN)10.1080/23311908.2024.2306770 (DOI)
Available from: 2023-08-17 Created: 2023-08-17 Last updated: 2024-02-07Bibliographically approved
Ohlsson, A., Nilsson, S. A. & Larsson, G. (2023). A qualitative study of military officers' perceptions of the adaptions couples make to meet the military organisation's implicit expectations. International Journal of Organizational Analysis, 31(5)
Open this publication in new window or tab >>A qualitative study of military officers' perceptions of the adaptions couples make to meet the military organisation's implicit expectations
2023 (English)In: International Journal of Organizational Analysis, ISSN 1934-8835, E-ISSN 1758-8561, Vol. 31, no 5Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate military officers’ perception of the implicit expectations the organisation has for the officer’s private life and what implications it may have for gender norms at the organisation, family and individual levels. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach, using an inductive thematic analysis, was performed. The data was based on 20 interviews with military officers, including 18 men and 2 women. Findings Two main themes, with three subsequent subthemes, were identified. These themes were interpreted as being necessary for the military officer to be able to manage organisational demands. The first included the implicit expectations the organisation had for the family. The three subthemes included the officer’s acceptance of frequent travel demands, adapting private life in accordance to organisational demands and picking a partner that matches the goals of the organisation. The second identified main theme included the military officer’s descriptions of implicit expectations the organisation held for the officer’s partner. Three subthemes were identified, including the partner’s need to be independent and psychologically strong, to take the main responsibility for managing family life and to engage in emotion work with the extended family. Originality/value The findings identify important perceptions that military officers have regarding the military’s expectations for their private life and the adaptive behaviors regularly performed. These adaptive behaviors allow the military officer to be able to engage in work that sustains the organisation.

Keywords
organisational culture, military, organisation development, gender norms, work/private life balance
National Category
Other Social Sciences not elsewhere specified
Research subject
Leadership and Command & Control
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:fhs:diva-10585 (URN)10.1108/IJOA-09-2021-2940 (DOI)000736609000001 ()
Available from: 2022-01-10 Created: 2022-01-10 Last updated: 2023-12-28Bibliographically approved
Larsson, G., Nilsson, S., Ohlsson, A. & Svensén, S. (2023). Uplifts and functional coping versus hassles and dysfunctional coping: A balance model test of health outcomes. Anxiety, Stress, and Coping
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Uplifts and functional coping versus hassles and dysfunctional coping: A balance model test of health outcomes
2023 (English)In: Anxiety, Stress, and Coping, ISSN 1061-5806, E-ISSN 1477-2205Article in journal (Refereed) Submitted
National Category
Social Sciences
Research subject
Leadership and Command & Control
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:fhs:diva-11746 (URN)
Available from: 2023-08-17 Created: 2023-08-17 Last updated: 2023-09-20
Ohlsson, A., Bandlitz Johansen, R. & Larsson, G. (2022). An exploratory Study of the Association between the Big-Five Personality Dimensions, the Use of Infuencing Behavors with Military Staff Members' Percepived Performance. International Journal of Behavior Organizations, 8, 12-22
Open this publication in new window or tab >>An exploratory Study of the Association between the Big-Five Personality Dimensions, the Use of Infuencing Behavors with Military Staff Members' Percepived Performance
2022 (English)In: International Journal of Behavior Organizations, E-ISSN 2687-6272, Vol. 8, p. 12-22Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

The purpose was to explore the association between the Big Five personality dimensions, the use of influencing behaviors (influencing tactics and political skill) with military staff members’ perceived performance. The sample included 185 Armed Forces staff members from various countries (predominantly the Baltic countries, Sweden, Norway and the USA). A hierarchical multiple regression indicated that the Big-Five dimensions Extraversion and Openness made statistically significant contributions (albeit low) in step 1 of the regression analysis in relation to performance, however, their contribution was weakened after the influencing behaviors were added in step 2 of the analysis. Two influencing behaviors (influencing tactic Rational persuasion and Political skill) demonstrated to be unique statistically significant contributions to perceived performance in the model as a whole, with political skill being the strongest. Practical considerations and future research directions are suggested.

Keywords
Political Skill, Influencing Behavior, Personality, Military, Performance
National Category
Psychology
Research subject
Leadership and Command & Control
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:fhs:diva-11840 (URN)10.32038/jbso.2022.08.02 (DOI)
Available from: 2023-10-04 Created: 2023-10-04 Last updated: 2023-10-11Bibliographically approved
Larsson, G., Nilsson, S., Bandlitz-Johansen, R., Waller, G., Hyllengren, P. & Ohlsson, A. (2022). Moral stress and coping: Relationship with long-term postitive reactions and PTSD indication in military personnel. Ethics & behavior, 33(8), 672-683
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Moral stress and coping: Relationship with long-term postitive reactions and PTSD indication in military personnel
Show others...
2022 (English)In: Ethics & behavior, ISSN 1050-8422, E-ISSN 1532-7019, Vol. 33, no 8, p. 672-683Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

This study investigates the relationship between moral stress reactions and resulting coping efforts in severely morally challenging situations. Long-term positive reactions and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) indicators following morally challenging situations are also studied. The sample consisted of cadets and officers (n = 332) from Norway and Sweden. Long-term positive reactions were found to be associated with limited moral stress reactions during the challenging episode and frequent use of acceptance and positive reappraisal coping strategies. Long-term high scores on a PTSD indicator scale covaried with high scores on Openness, a strong moral stress reaction, and frequent use of instrumental coping strategies. The main conclusion is that the immediate moral stress reaction and coping strategies following morally challenging situations appear to be related to both positive long-term reactions and to indicators of PTSD.

Keywords
Military moral stress, coping, positive long-term reaction, PTSD
National Category
Sociology
Research subject
Leadership and Command & Control
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:fhs:diva-11271 (URN)10.1080/10508422.2022.2131553 (DOI)
Available from: 2023-01-09 Created: 2023-01-09 Last updated: 2023-11-17Bibliographically approved
Ohlsson, A., Lindfors, P., Larsson, G. & Sverke, M. (2022). Political skill in higher military staff: Measurement properties and latent profile analysis. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 63(2), 144-154
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Political skill in higher military staff: Measurement properties and latent profile analysis
2022 (English)In: Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, ISSN 0036-5564, E-ISSN 1467-9450, Vol. 63, no 2, p. 144-154Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Social effectiveness, including political skill, reflects individuals’ ways of handling interpersonal processes at work. Most research has used a variable-oriented approach to investigate associations between political skill and key organizational factors, including performance, in civil settings. Thus, little is known of whether political skill transfers to a military context and whether there are specific profiles of political skill. Combining variable-oriented and person-oriented approaches, this study used self-reports from two samples of military student officers to: (1) investigate measurement properties of the 18-item political skill inventory; (2) explore whether it is possible to identify different profiles of political skill; and (3) investigate whether such profiles differ in demographics, personality, and job performance. Exploratory (sample 1: n = 185) and confirmatory (sample 2: n = 183) factor analyses supported a four-dimensional representation of political skill including networking ability, apparent sincerity, social astuteness, and interpersonal influence. Latent profile analysis (samples 1 and 2: N = 368) identified four distinct combinations of these dimensions, namely: (1) weak political skill; (2) weak political skill with strong sincerity; (3) moderate political skill; and (4) strong political skill. Importantly, profiles differed consistently in networking ability. Subsequent comparisons suggested potentially important differences in demographics, personality, and job performance. Despite needing additional research of how profiles of political skill develop over time, these findings may have practical implications for recruitment and training in organizational settings where social effectiveness is important.

Keywords
measurement properties, latent profile analysis, social effectiveness, military, psychology, developmental and educational psychology
National Category
Applied Psychology
Research subject
Ledarskap under påfrestande förhållanden
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:fhs:diva-10441 (URN)10.1111/sjop.12784 (DOI)000715911800001 ()
Available from: 2021-11-17 Created: 2021-11-17 Last updated: 2022-07-13Bibliographically approved
Ohlsson, A. & Larsson, G. (2022). Social effektivitet i arbetslivet. Lund: Studentlitteratur AB
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Social effektivitet i arbetslivet
2022 (Swedish)Book (Other academic)
Abstract [sv]

Social effektivitet i arbetslivet handlar om hur individen använder sin sociala kompetens i arbetslivet, är socialt effektiv, för att nå organisationens mål. Begreppet ligger nära det man brukar kalla social kompetens, vilket är bredare och mer generellt. Social effektivitet fokuserar mer på individens förmåga att läsa av, påverka och anpassa sig i olika situationer. Det handlar om att förstå spelregler, sociala koder och organisationens emotionskultur för att bättre kunna både anpassa sig och påverka andra. 

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Lund: Studentlitteratur AB, 2022. p. 107
National Category
Sociology
Research subject
Leadership and Command & Control
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:fhs:diva-11270 (URN)9789144156200 (ISBN)
Available from: 2023-01-09 Created: 2023-01-09 Last updated: 2023-01-09Bibliographically approved
Nilsson, S., Ohlsson, A. & Larsson, G. (2021). Internationell militär tjänstgöring och dess betydelse för parrelationer: En enkätstudie. Stockholm: Försvarshögskolan (FHS)
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Internationell militär tjänstgöring och dess betydelse för parrelationer: En enkätstudie
2021 (Swedish)Report (Other academic)
Abstract [en]

In general, Swedish veteran research shows that a majority of Swedish officers andsoldiers that have served abroad are doing relatively well, both psychologically andphysically. However, a recent study of Swedish veterans indicated a higher divorcerate (nearly double) and a less propensity to enter a new relationship after international military deployment. An initial qualitative interview study was conducted to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of international military deployment on couple well-being, which resulted in a theoretical model of proposed relationships. Since the developed theoretical model of influencing factors was based on a limited number of interviews, and thus cannot be regarded as generalizable, the aim of the present study was to test its relevance on a larger number of military veterans, more specifically to explore the relationships between the factors identified and a higher propensity to end a romantic relationship. In addition, the relationship identified between deployment and a lesser likelihood to enter a new relationship was investigated. A survey was filled out by 1962 veterans (33% response rate). Quantitative analyses were conducted to test the relationship between variables of interests and tocompare sub-groups. Overall, the results support the theoretical model that was developed, both as regards balance as a core variable to understand the impact of international military deployment on couple well-being, and the factors that have shown to affect the statistical relationship identified between deployment and a higher propensity to end a close relationship. The results show that deployment may cause systemic changes and challenges within families, however, they may also constitute an incentive for development, ultimately strengthening some relationships. Particularly, demands related to deployment appear to affect relationship quality after deployment, whilst the handling of relational tensions seems most meaningful during everyday life before the mission. The study also accounts for the importance of re-integration having returned home, as close relationships seem most vulnerable the first few years following deployment. Looking at the relationship between deployment and a lessened propensity to enter a new relationship, there appears to be two potential contributing factors. On the onehand, there seems to be an overrepresentation of individuals that because of deployment have sought professional help, and a majority of those individualsreported that they did not receive adequate support. Many reported experiencing alesser degree of positive work-related reintegration to everyday life after deployment and omitting from seeking social support and to plan/analyze to handle the hassles of everyday life after deployment. These reported difficulties may have contributed to the inability of these individuals to reassimilate back to their normal routines and to focus their energy on their relationships in their private lives. On the other hand, the results also indicate that individuals who deploy, also report having a high interest in adventure, to travel and to experience new things, which may also contribute to these individuals being less likely to commit to a close relationship. In the latter case, this may contribute to a higher propensity to not enter a new relationship by choice, which is appreciated, self-determined and a matter of priority. Practical implications are discussed.

Abstract [sv]

Svensk veteranforskning visar att en majoritet av svenska officerare och soldater som tjänstgjort utomlands mår förhållandevis bra, både psykiskt och fysiskt. Däremot visar en stor registerstudie att skilsmässofrekvensen är nästintill fördubblad bland militärpersonal efter utlandstjänst vid jämförelse med de som inte gjort utlandstjänst. Likaså framkommer att militära utlandsveteraner är mindre benägna att gifta sig efter att ha tjänstgjort internationellt. För att få en djupare förståelse för hur deltagande i internationella militära insatser påverkar nära parrelationer genomfördes en inledande kvalitativ intervjustudie. Dåden utvecklade modellen som belyser faktorer av betydelse baseras på endast 20 intervjuer och således inte kan betraktas som generaliserbar, var syftet medföreliggande studie att pröva dess relevans mot bakgrund av en större grupp veteraner, mer specifikt att utforska sambanden mellan de förklaringsfaktorer som identifierats i den tidigare kvalitativa studien och benägenheten att skilja sig/avsluta en parrelation. Det samband som identifierats mellan utlandstjänst och en minskad benägenhet att ingå äktenskap eller en parrelation undersöktes också. Ett frågeformulär besvarades av 1962 veteraner (33% svarsfrekvens). Kvantitativa analyser utfördes för att testa sambandet mellan variabler av intresse och för att jämföra subgrupper. I stort stödjer resultaten den teoretiska modell som tagits fram i tidigare forskning, såväl avseende balans som en kärnvariabel för att förstå hur parrelationer tenderar att utvecklas i samband med deltagande i internationella insatser, som de faktorer som visat sig påverka sambandet mellan utlandstjänst och en större benägenhet att avsluta en parrelation. Erhållna resultat visar att utlandstjänst kan skapa systemiska förändringar och utmaningar hos familjer, men också utgöra incitament för utveckling som stärker parrelationer. Det tycks i synnerhet vara krav i samband med insatsen som har betydelse för relationskvalitet efter insatsen, medan hantering av relationella slitningar framstår som mer betydelsefull i vardagen före insatsen. Studien visar också på betydelsen av återanpassning efter hemkomsten, samt att relationer tycks vara sommest sårbara de närmaste åren efter insatsen. Vad gäller det samband som identifierats mellan utlandstjänst och minskad benägenhet att ingå ny parrelation framkommer två potentiella förklaringar. Å enasidan tycks det finnas en överrepresentation av individer som på grund av insatsen sökt hjälpt för psykiska besvär inom någon form av sjukvård, och som därtill inte anser sig ha fått adekvat stöd. Man upplever i mindre utsträckning en positiv arbetsrelaterad återanpassning till vardagen efter insats, underlåter sig att söka socialtstöd och att planera/analysera för att hantera vardagsstress året efter hemkomst. Att man mår dåligt efter hemkomst, privat och på arbetet, saknar socialt stöd samtidigt som man underlåter sig att systematiskt väga för- och nackdelar mot varandra, eller bli klar över möjliga handlingsalternativ för att hantera stress i vardagen kan innebära att dessa individer sammantaget upplever en slags maktlöshet och därmed brist på motivation eller ork att fokusera på eget privatliv. Å andra sidan tyder även resultatenpå att vissa individer i större utsträckning haft ett stort intresse av äventyr, att resa och uppleva saker, och av den anledningen är mindre benägna att binda sig. Att det är självvalt och att man föredrar att leva som singel/ensamstående. Praktiska implikationer av resultaten diskuteras.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Stockholm: Försvarshögskolan (FHS), 2021. p. 74
Series
LI Serie I.: Informations- och utbildningsmaterial, ISSN 1401-5676 ; 125Ledarskapscentrum Serie I.: Informations- och utbildningsmaterial
Keywords
internationella miltära insatser, parrelationer, work-life balance, parrelationer
National Category
Other Social Sciences
Research subject
Leadership and Command & Control
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:fhs:diva-11335 (URN)978-91-88975-12-6 (ISBN)
Funder
Swedish Armed Forces
Available from: 2023-01-12 Created: 2023-01-12 Last updated: 2023-01-12Bibliographically approved
Larsson, G., Alvinius, A. & Ohlsson, A. (2020). Indirekt ledarskap: det högre ledarskapets "mjuka" sidor. Lund: Studentlitteratur AB
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Indirekt ledarskap: det högre ledarskapets "mjuka" sidor
2020 (Swedish)Book (Other academic)
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Lund: Studentlitteratur AB, 2020. p. 141
National Category
Psychology
Research subject
Ledarskap under påfrestande förhållanden
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:fhs:diva-9872 (URN)9789144128832 (ISBN)
Available from: 2021-04-25 Created: 2021-04-25 Last updated: 2021-04-25Bibliographically approved
Organisations
Identifiers
ORCID iD: ORCID iD iconorcid.org/0000-0001-9423-5916

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