Impact of Relational Self Psychology and Community Attitudes toward Mentally Ill Persons on Adjustment during Army Life

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify predictors influencing adjustment during army life after analyzing the relationship among relational self, community attitudes toward the mentally ill (CAMI), and adjustment during army life in Korea. Methods: A cross sectional study design was conducted with 230 soldiers from two military units located in Y and B cities. Data were analyzed using t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression with SPSS/WIN 18.0. Results: Empathy-care showed significantly positive correlations with adjustment during army life. Avoidance of relationships showed significantly negative correlations with adjustment. Negative concepts in CAMI, such as authoritarianism and social restrictiveness, became were getting more negative. Positive concepts in CAMI, such as benevolence and community mental health ideology, were lacking. Significant factors were empathy-care, authoritarianism, overdependence on relations, and social restrictiveness which explained 30.1 % (F=8.55, p<.001) of adjustment during army life. Conclusion: To improv