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Relations between type of army service, incidental emotions and risk perceptions

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Abstract

Military service in general and combat service in particular can be physically and psychologically stressful. Previous studies have focused on risk propensity and risky behavior among soldiers. Yet knowledge is still lacking regarding the impact of type of army service on soldiers’ risk perceptions. The current study examines how type of army service and negative incidental emotions affect risk perceptions. Results of a survey conducted among 153 combat and non-combat Israeli soldiers indicate that respondents serving in combat units on average have more pessimistic risk perceptions than non-combat soldiers. Yet no significant differences emerged between combat and non-combat respondents with respect to their levels of negative incidental emotions. Regression analyses suggest that higher levels of negative incidental emotions are correlated with pessimistic risk perceptions among all respondents, while higher levels of risk attitude are correlated with pessimistic risk perceptions among combat soldiers but not among non-combat soldiers.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Economics and Management, The Max Stern Yezreel Valley College, 19300, Yezreel Valley, Israel

    Sharon Garyn-Tal & Shosh Shahrabani

Authors
  1. Sharon Garyn-Tal
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  2. Shosh Shahrabani
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Correspondence to Sharon Garyn-Tal.

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Appendix: The questionnaire

Appendix: The questionnaire

Part A: EVAR questions

Likert-scale response options ranged from 1 (I agree very much) to 7 (I do not agree at all)

  1. 1.

    When the traffic light turns yellow, I tend to accelerate.

  2. 2.

    I feel like I can take on the world.

  3. 3.

    Usually, I prefer adventures over routine.

  4. 4.

    I seek the thrill of danger.

  5. 5.

    I am open to (verbal) confrontation.

  6. 6.

    Usually, I give priority to action rather than reason.

  7. 7.

    I am sure of myself.

  8. 8.

    I am always right.

  9. 9.

    I emphasize speed rather than precision.

Part B: Risk Perception

Likert-scale response options ranged from 1 (I agree very much) to 7 (I do not agree at all)

  1. 1.

    I will get hurt in a terror attack (other than in the army) in the coming year.

  2. 2.

    I will probably be a victim of a violent crime (not terror) in the coming year.

  3. 3.

    I will probably get hurt in a car accident in the coming year.

Part C: Army Service

  1. 1.

    Are you currently serving or have you ever served in the army? Yes/No

  2. 2.

    Are you currently a soldier? Yes/No

  3. 3.

    Are you currently serving or have you served in the past as a combat soldier? Yes/No

  4. 4.

    Have you participated in real combat (and not practice) during your service? Yes/No

Part D: Personal Characteristics

  • Age------------ Gender------------

  • How do you define yourself religiously? Ultra-orthodox/religious/traditional/secular/other

  • The mean gross monthly income for an Israeli household is 13,000NIS. Your parents’ household income is: much higher than the mean/higher than the mean/mean/lower than the mean/much lower than the mean

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Garyn-Tal, S., Shahrabani, S. Relations between type of army service, incidental emotions and risk perceptions. Mind Soc 19, 61–76 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11299-020-00224-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11299-020-00224-6

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