DRDO Conducts Studies On Stresses On Indian Soldiers
Dated 21/11/2007
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Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR), a laboratory of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), had conducted two studies. One of the "Psycho-Social aspect of optimizing the operational efficiency of Security Forces to combat insurgency" during September 2000 – May 2005 in the North Eastern Region. The major outcomes of the study are:
Three main operational stressors, like fear of torture, uncertain environment and domestic stresses are responsible for most of psychological problems in various groups of Armed Forces. Middle rank officers as compared to Jawans and Junior Commissioned Officers (JCO) were found to be more vulnerable and stressed out.
Mental disorders in the form of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) have been observed in traumatized troops, which forms the basis for various somatic symptoms. About six to nine months after the detention of captured militants is most appropriate period to change in the attitudes of youth and influence their minds towards national identification.
A strong need to inoculate and orient officers by undertaking Combat Stress Management training programmes. Need for immediate therapeutic intervention during post-traumatic stress disorders jointly by unit leaders and professional psychologist. There is a strong need to carry out a appropriate need analysis with repect to demographic variables of a particular region.
Another study was carried out in December 2006 on “Suicide and Fratricide among troops deployed in counter insurgency areas” and suggested a number of remedial measures to deal with stress related issues in the Army. Some of the suggestions are: liberalized leave policy, deployment of psychological counsellors in counter insurgency areas, periodical review, monitoring and analysis of stress related incidents, organizations of stress management training programmes and disseminations of reading materials on stress management in appropriate languages, etc.
The remedial measures to manage stress have been implemented in entire Army both in field and peace areas. This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Motilal Vora and Shri Satyavrat Chaturvedi in Rajya Sabha today.
