The purpose of this study was to evaluate a cognitive behavioral anger management intervention in order to increase self-consciousness and decrease anger among Korean military men.

A quasi-experimental design was used for this study. Ninety two soldiers were screened for unhealthy anger expression using a questionnaire. Among them, 26 soldiers who showed unhealthy anger expression were selected for this study. They were matched by rank and assigned to either a treatment or control group. The treatment group received the intervention three consecutive times, once a week and for 120 minutes per session. Participants were assessed before and after the intervention for anger (the State-Trait Anger Scale) and self-consciousness (Self-consciousness Scale). Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, χ²-test, Mann-Whitney test, and Wilcox on signed rank test.

There was no statistically significant decrease in anger or increase in self-consciousness between the two groups following treatment. However, there was a significant increase in private self-consciousness in the treatment group after the intervention(p=.006).

The cognitive behavioral anger management program improves private self-consciousness in soldiers. However, Additional research is needed to explore whether long-term intervention is more effective for anger control in the military setting. The findings from this study suggest that more attention should be given to mental health care for Korean soldiers.

This study was done to examine physical, psycho-social, and individual factors influencing musculoskeletal symptoms among Korean military trainees.

Using a correlation study design, military trainees who had completed almost of all the basic combat training (BCT) days were recruited from two military training units selected by convenience sampling. Data from 415 participants were analyzed.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was 29.6% defined as a participant having pain or discomfort in one or more body parts during training hours for more than seven consecutive days. Back/pelvic (10.8%), knees (10.1%), shoulders (7.7%), feet/toes (5.6%), ankles (4.8%) were prone to musculoskeletal symptoms. Musculoskeletal symptoms appeared to be related to physical exertion during BCT, stress during BCT, social support from fellow trainees, or previous musculoskeletal injuries. In the logistic regression model, physical exertion during BCT (OR=2.27, 95% CI: 1.42~3.65), stress during BCT (OR=1.79, 95% CI: 1.15~2.78), and previous musculoskeletal injuries (OR=1.58, 95% CI: 1.01~2.47) were the significant factors affecting prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms.

Findings indicate that physical exertion and psycho-social stress should be managed to prevent musculoskeletal symptoms in military trainees with more attention being given to trainees having a history of musculoskeletal injuries.