Influence of alcohol consumption on resilience, emotional intelligence, and self-esteem in army personnel: A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Military personnel face physical and psychological challenges that may contribute to unhealthy behaviors, such as alcohol consumption. This study aimed to analyze the psychological variables of emotional intelligence, resilience, and self-esteem among Spanish Army personnel, as well as their relationship with the daily consumption or non-consumption of at least one alcoholic beverage. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with a sample of 739 military personnel, with a mean age of 33.29 years (SD = 7.48), of whom 87.7% were men and 12.3% were women. Participants completed an ad hoc questionnaire addressing sociodemographic variables, while psychological variables were assessed using the EQ-i-M20 Emotional Intelligence Inventory, the Resilience Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. The results indicated that daily alcohol consumption (equivalent to the intake of at least 10 milliliters of pure alcohol per day, approximately one standard drink) was negatively associated with levels of emotional intelligence, resilience, and self-esteem among Spanish Army personnel. This association becomes particularly relevant when considering that, out of the total sample, N = 114 participants reported engaging in daily alcohol consumption. Of these, 78.10% were male and 21.90% were female, suggesting not only a higher prevalence of daily consumption among men but also the need to consider potential gender differences when designing prevention and intervention strategies focused on the psychological health of military personnel. In conclusion, daily alcohol consumption is negatively associated with the resilience, emotional intelligence, and self-esteem of military personnel, underscoring the importance of prevention and intervention programs to improve their health and well-being.