Unraveling the Interplay Between Self-efficacy and Decision-making in Military Contexts: A Systematic Review
Abstract The success of missions and personnel safety is contingent upon the ability to make effective decisions in the dynamic and high-pressure setting of military operations. This systematic review examines the relationship between self-efficacy and decision making in military settings. Six studies meeting inclusion criteria were identified through a rigorous search of electronic databases and… Read more »
Mauled by a Lion – How Spiritual Wounds and Injuries Present
Abstract The mauling that some veterans suffer as a result of issues such as shame, anger, self-abuse and depression are very real, lasting and painful aspects of their lives. For a Religious/Spiritual Practitioner (RSP), or indeed any treating practitioner, to make a meaningful contribution towards treating a Spiritual Wound and Injury (SW&I) they must determine… Read more »
Victorian Naval Warfare, Ships and Medicine 1815–1900
Introduction Previous articles described the development of a cycle from prehistory to the end of the Napoleonic wars, whereby increasing seaborne trade necessitated larger and more efficient ships, which led to more and better weapons to defend or attack them, thereby creating further trading opportunities.1,2,3,4,5,6,7 While the technical developments in ships, weapons and medicine often… Read more »
Psychological Screening in the Australian Defence Force: An Historical and Contemporary Analysis of What Works
Abstract With a rapid and significant rise in psychological screening within the Australian Defence Force (ADF) over the past 20 years, ambiguity has developed between a psychological screen and a psychological assessment used for pre-employment and pre-deployment selection purposes. Additionally, confusion persists around what constitutes a mental health or psychology screen and when it should… Read more »
Acute Schistosomiasis: The ‘Fluke’ That Saved Taiwan
Abstract Acute schistosomiasis is rarely of military concern, but epidemics have disrupted tropical operations. Acute schistosomiasis is particularly challenging to diagnose because it presents as a non-specific febrile disease, often with an urticarial rash before parasites appear in the stool. US Army combat engineers were infected during bridge construction on Leyte in the invasion of… Read more »
Fundamental Inputs to (ADF Health) Capability: Overview
Introduction This paper—and the series to date and to follow—is based on conclusions reached in a previous series by the author regarding occupational and environmental medicine in the ADF.61,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11 The previous series describes why high workplace illness and injury rates confirm the need to improve the management of hazards associated with ADF workplaces, with better… Read more »
Book review of Hitler’s Tyranny: A History in Ten Chapters: The Last Adventurer-Conqueror
The 20th century was the most murderous period in history. Between them, Mao Zedong, Josef Stalin and Adolf Hitler killed millions of people. While the first two are relatively neglected compared to Hitler (only third on the list, but the figures are still horrifying), 77 years since he killed himself in the Berlin bunker the… Read more »
Self-esteem, Stigma and Attitudes Concerning Seeking Mental Help in the Military Environment
Introduction The present study aims to investigate how self-esteem and perceptions of self or public stigma may influence a) the attitudes towards seeking professional mental health help in the military environment and b) the intentions to seek professional mental health help. The military is associated with duties of high risks, which often cause exposure to… Read more »
Alcohol Misuse Among Military Veterans with Subjective Cognitive Decline
Introduction Subjective cognitive decline (SCD), which is a self-reported condition of worsening memory loss or confusion within 12 months, has been described as an early symptom of Alzheimer’s disease.1 Individuals with SCD may perceive a decline in their cognitive abilities, such as memory, attention or problem-solving skills. Unlike objective measures of cognitive decline, which are… Read more »
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Adherence and Response to Cognitive Processing Therapy for Veterans Living with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Introduction Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating disorder that affects up to 30% of United States veterans in their lifetime.1-4 Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is a recommended first-line treatment for veterans with PTSD,5 utilising evidence-based psychotherapy techniques to reduce negative thoughts about oneself and the world, and challenge unhelpful beliefs.6 CPT is widely utilised… Read more »