Abstract (eng)
Working conditions and incriminating experiences in military operations can lead to the appearance of symptoms in soldiers and, in the worst case, to diseases such as acute stress disorders, depression or PTSD. This work shows the results of a longitudinal study with 194 soldiers of the Austrian Armed Forces, who were questioned in Burgenland / Austria before, during and at the end of their security policy assistance operation on burdensome working conditions and occurring symptoms. The Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), the Coping Inventory for Stresful Situations (CISS) and the Questionnaire for Assistance and Support Staff were used. While the duration of use did not have any influence on symptom scores, sociodemographic data such as younger age, no work experience, and the personnel status of conscript, as well as an emotion-oriented coping strategy, were risk factors for increased symptom values. The type of stress changed compared to studies, which were carried out shortly after the beginning of the operation, away from safety burdens, to operational and activity-related burdens. It is assumed that the decline in the enormous migratory flows and the resulting strains caused this shift. The findings of the study enable early measures to be taken to minimize the symptoms of endangered soldiers in the security policy assistance operation.