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Exploratory study on the military adjustment between Singapore citizens and permanent residents
Author
Teo, Charmaine Sock Mui
Supervisor
Lee, Boon Ooi
Abstract
The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) follows a mandatory conscript system made up of both military regulars and enlisted soldiers to ensure that it remains a formidable fighting force for the national defence of the Nation.
Under the Enlistment Act, all male Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs) must complete two years of military service. The transition from a civilian life to a military one can be challenging and individuals might encounter adjustment difficulties. PRs who return back to Singapore to serve their NS liability face additional adjustment difficulties as they need to adapt to a new cultural environment.
The current study used a total of 206 participants who are currently serving their NS, of which 104 are Singaporean male citizens and 102 are Singaporean male PRs. This study explored the differences in the reported military adjustment between the two groups and the relationship between their coping styles to military adjustment. Lastly the study also explored the homesickness, perceived cultural distance and duration of stay in Singapore prior to enlistment as factors affecting PRs’ military adjustment.
The results of the study showed that PRs reported better military adjustment as compared to Singapore citizens. PRs also reported lesser use of maladaptive coping strategies. It was found that while duration of stay in Singapore prior to enlistment had no relationship with military adjustment; homesickness and perceived cultural distance was related to military adjustment; with homesickness being a significant predictor of military adjustment. The importance and implications of this study was also discussed.
Under the Enlistment Act, all male Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs) must complete two years of military service. The transition from a civilian life to a military one can be challenging and individuals might encounter adjustment difficulties. PRs who return back to Singapore to serve their NS liability face additional adjustment difficulties as they need to adapt to a new cultural environment.
The current study used a total of 206 participants who are currently serving their NS, of which 104 are Singaporean male citizens and 102 are Singaporean male PRs. This study explored the differences in the reported military adjustment between the two groups and the relationship between their coping styles to military adjustment. Lastly the study also explored the homesickness, perceived cultural distance and duration of stay in Singapore prior to enlistment as factors affecting PRs’ military adjustment.
The results of the study showed that PRs reported better military adjustment as compared to Singapore citizens. PRs also reported lesser use of maladaptive coping strategies. It was found that while duration of stay in Singapore prior to enlistment had no relationship with military adjustment; homesickness and perceived cultural distance was related to military adjustment; with homesickness being a significant predictor of military adjustment. The importance and implications of this study was also discussed.
Date Issued
2015
Call Number
BF335 Teo
Date Submitted
2015