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a dyadic analysis of military couples during post- deployment in operational and supporting roles. Findings highlight the
reintegration, positive psychological health was negatively asso- substantial impact of organizational demands and the culture
ciated with avoidance and positively associated with emotional of performance on the members’ and their families’ resilience,
expression. Additionally, many participants reported mainly putting performance and operational effectiveness at risk.
36
using physical exercise to cope with stress. Musculoskeletal in- The study results emphasize the need for the SOF organiza-
juries are common among SOF members, which may com- tion to instill proper conditions and tailored support services
37
promise SOF members’ ability to rely on sports and physical for members and their families in order to facilitate proper
exercise to manage stress. As such, ensuring that additional recovery, maintain family adjustment, and sustain the career
methods of coping are learned and practiced is particularly im- longevity of SOF personnel.
portant. SOF organizations would benefit from providing psy-
choeducational training focusing on a variety of context-specific Acknowledgments
(e.g., on deployment or at home) adaptive coping strategies. We thank all participants for sharing their positive and nega-
tive experiences with openness and generosity. We also thank
the points of contact in the CANSOFCOM units. Their help
Strengths and Limitations and support made this study a success. Finally, we thank Dr
This qualitative research provides rich and detailed descriptions Stacey Silins and Dr Heather McCuaig-Edge for their precious
of CANSOFCOM members’ perspectives on and experiences contribution to the data collection.
of resilience. Given the limited knowledge of the mechanisms
at play in the process of resilience in high-risk personnel, this References
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66 | JSOM Volume 20, Edition 4 / Winter 2020