Study to mental stress of soldiers of PLA stationed in Hongkong

Objective To study the factors influencing mental stress of soldiers stationed in Hongkong. Methods 211 male soldiers were tested by Psychological Stress Self-evaluation Test, Symptom Checklist 90(SCL-90), Eysenck Personality Questionnaire(EPQ) and interrelated factors questionnaire. Results (1) 4.74 percent soldiers showed up mental stress; the scores of Somatization and Anxiety of SCL-90 were higher significantly than those of the military norm, and the scores of hostility, phobic anxiety and psychoticism were lower significantly than the norm. (2) The score of mental stress correlated positively with the EPQ-P and EPQ-N, but correlated negatively with EPQ-L. The scores of SCL-90 factors correlated positively with EPQ-P and EPQ-N, but correlated negatively with EPQ-E and EPQ-L. (3) The results of step by step analyzing showed that factors influencing mental stress were EPQ-N, rest time, EPQ-L, interpersonal relation and if comprehending the importance of military training. Conclusion About 5 percent soldiers showed up mental stress. Instability of mood and psychological conceal tendency of personality, rest time, interpersonal relation and if comprehending the importance of military training are the main factors to mental stress.