Evaluation of Relationships Between Reported Resilience and Soldier Outcomes. Report #1: Negative Outcomes (Suicide, Drug Use, & Violent Crimes)

This document is the first of a series of reports evaluating the impact of the Army's Comprehensive Soldier Fitness (CSF) Program by examining relationships between reported resilience and various health and behavioral outcomes (both positive and negative) among Soldiers. The first set of deidentified Global Assessment Tool data made available for analysis included responses from Soldiers who completed suicide in 2010, Soldiers who tested positive for illicit drug use, and Soldiers who were charged with engaging in violent crimes. Our analyses suggest that Soldiers who completed suicide were less resilient than Soldiers who did not commit suicide; Soldiers who tested positive for illicit drug use were less resilient than Soldiers who did not test positive; and Soldiers who committed violent crimes were less resilient than those who did not commit violent crimes. The results of these analyses held when researchers controlled for potential demographic effects. Prepared in cooperation with the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center and the University of Nebraska College of Business Administration. The original document contains color images.