Strong In Mind and Body, Article Critique Example

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to provide a reasonable critique of a psychology journal article. The article discusses the new resilience program designed to train soldiers to combat their traumatic experiences. The paper confirms the lack of primary evidence about the success of the program. The paper discusses possible applications of the methods and tools discussed by the author.

Summary

In her article, Novotney (2009) discusses the new resilience program developed for the American soldiers to help them cope with traumatic experiences in the army. The program was developed in cooperation with several psychology stars and provides wide opportunities for soldiers to prevent the development of post-traumatic experiences and to develop psychological resilience (Novotney, 2009). The main idea behind the program is that resilience to psychological disturbances and negative experiences is bell shaped (Novotney, 2009). Resiliency training is the central element of the new program, designed to develop resilience before a combat and to facilitate the process of community reintegration and adjustment when back home (Novotney, 2009). In the basic version of training, soldiers involve in a five-day-long video and animation-infused sessions, which are expected to reduce the incidence of PTSD and to build better relationships with each other (Novotney, 2009).

Critique

The article is interesting in a sense that it provides an opportunity to understand the reasons and the major approaches to resilience training in the army. The article shows the fitness program as the source of psychological benefits for soldiers, for whom traumatic experiences are not uncommon. Unfortunately, the whole article looks like the discussion of a large psychological experiment, which has not yet proved to be effective but which is gradually turning into one of the dominant military ideologies. Although the new resilience training has proved to be an effective means against traumatic and post-traumatic disorders, time will pass before researchers can provide scientific evidence to prove the success of these programs.

Application

Nevertheless, it is still possible to reconsider these resilience steps through the prism of their practical application. In many aspects, the proposed system of resilience training can become the starting point in the analysis of traumatic situations in the army and beyond. For example, the same video sessions could be used to prepare clients to an event which they consider exciting or which they consider tragic. In the same way, resilience training could be readily applied for jobs and positions that are not directly linked to army and military action but are associated with constant stress (for example, emergency rescue or pilots). They need to be prepared to emergency situations and traumatic experiences that usually follow them, and video training could become a good means to go through a traumatic event before it happens.

References

Novotney, A. (2009). Strong in mind and body. Monitor on Psychology, 40 (11), 40.