# Dynamic relationships between psychological capital and adaptation in new military recruits: a longitudinal cross-lagged panel network analysis

## TL;DR

This study explores how psychological traits like optimism and hope help new soldiers adapt to military training over time.

## Contribution

The study reveals how different aspects of psychological capital dynamically influence adaptation in new recruits.

## Key findings

- Optimism strongly predicts early adaptation in new recruits.
- Hope becomes the strongest predictor of adaptation later in training.
- Resilience is linked to reduced symptoms and improved role cognition.

## Abstract

New recruits face severe psychological problems due to military adaption. This study examined the dynamic interplay between psychological capital (PsyCap) and adaptation among recruits during their initial training period. A total of 988 male recruits were assessed at three time points over an 8-week period, with cross-lagged panel network (CLPN) analysis employed to model predictive pathways and identify key nodes. Optimism had the strongest impact on the early adaptation (T1→T2), acting as a central linking bridge between PsyCap and the adaptation dimensions. Later in the T2→T3 stage, hope emerged as the strongest predictor, especially in relation to the reduction of the physical and psychological symptoms and an improvement in the role cognition. Resilience was a robust predictor of symptom improvement. The results reveal evolving roles of PsyCap components during adaptation, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions for enhancing adaptation among new recruits.