Psychosocial Dimensions of Stress in Combat and Support Forces: Integrating Heat Stress, Leadership, and Coping Mechanisms

  • Unique Paper ID: 183121
  • PageNo: 393-401
  • Abstract:
  • This chapter examines the multifactorial determinants of stress and burnout among military and paramilitary personnel, situated within theoretical frameworks such as McGrath’s stress model and the Job Demands–Resources theory. Drawing on contemporary empirical findings, we identify environmental stressors (e.g., extreme heat and humidity), operational pressures (e.g., counter-insurgency deployments, family separation), organizational factors (e.g., weak leadership, low social support), and individual vulnerabilities (e.g., maladaptive coping styles, neuroticism) as key drivers of psychological strain. Advanced intervention strategies—including neurofeedback training, heat-adaptation programs, and digital mental health solutions—demonstrate potential in bolstering cognitive performance, emotional regulation, and resilience. Additionally, robust coping mechanisms, particularly problem-focused and cognitive reappraisal strategies, emerge as critical mediators in reducing distress and enhancing mental well-being. We propose a comprehensive, multi-tiered approach to military mental health that integrates environmental supports, leadership development, digital tools, and resilience training. Future research should empirically evaluate such multifaceted interventions in diverse deployment contexts, emphasizing longitudinal outcomes and scalability to maintain force readiness.

Copyright & License

Copyright © 2026 Authors retain the copyright of this article. This article is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

BibTeX

@article{183121,
        author = {Dr. Triveni Sharma},
        title = {Psychosocial Dimensions of Stress in Combat and Support Forces: Integrating Heat Stress, Leadership, and Coping Mechanisms},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {3},
        pages = {393-401},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=183121},
        abstract = {This chapter examines the multifactorial determinants of stress and burnout among military and paramilitary personnel, situated within theoretical frameworks such as McGrath’s stress model and the Job Demands–Resources theory. Drawing on contemporary empirical findings, we identify environmental stressors (e.g., extreme heat and humidity), operational pressures (e.g., counter-insurgency deployments, family separation), organizational factors (e.g., weak leadership, low social support), and individual vulnerabilities (e.g., maladaptive coping styles, neuroticism) as key drivers of psychological strain. Advanced intervention strategies—including neurofeedback training, heat-adaptation programs, and digital mental health solutions—demonstrate potential in bolstering cognitive performance, emotional regulation, and resilience. Additionally, robust coping mechanisms, particularly problem-focused and cognitive reappraisal strategies, emerge as critical mediators in reducing distress and enhancing mental well-being. We propose a comprehensive, multi-tiered approach to military mental health that integrates environmental supports, leadership development, digital tools, and resilience training. Future research should empirically evaluate such multifaceted interventions in diverse deployment contexts, emphasizing longitudinal outcomes and scalability to maintain force readiness.},
        keywords = {Military stress • Burnout • Environmental stressors • Coping strategies • Resilience training • Neurofeedback • Digital mental health • Organizational support • Operational readiness},
        month = {July},
        }

Cite This Article

Sharma, D. T. (2025). Psychosocial Dimensions of Stress in Combat and Support Forces: Integrating Heat Stress, Leadership, and Coping Mechanisms. International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology (IJIRT), 12(3), 393–401.

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