Military Engagement, self-concept and on-base living

Conceptual Framework: The study of trainee engagement, albeit a recent concept, has been getting a special attention due to de assumption that the promotion of engagement in training can shape the effects of organizational resources over performance, well-being and quality of life in general, thus benefitting not only the individuals, but organizations as well. Objectives: The present study aims to analyze the differences in engagement regarding self-concept and context factors of trainees attending the Training Courses for Petty Officers 1st Class (CFS). Methodology: The methodology made use of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (Schaufeli, Salanova, González-Romá & Bakker, 2002), the Assessment Scale for Trainee Engagement in the Portuguese Navy (Frade & Veiga, 2014), as well as the Assessment Scale for Trainee Self-concept in the Portuguese Navy (Frade & Veiga, in press; Frade, 2015). The sample was comprised of 149 trainees from the CFS of the Portuguese Navy. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: Trainees living offbase and with more self-concept have reached higher levels of engagement than those presenting low self-concept. In cases of low self-concept, trainees living onbase reached higher levels of engagement when compared to those living off-base.Conclusion: The result analysis allowed the finding of relationships between trainee engagement, self-concept and on-base living. There was an intention of getting directions to support the action of the Portuguese Navy with the engagement of its human resources in learning situations and work realization.