Psychosocial Predictors of Return to Duty Among Marine Recruits With Musculoskeletal Injuries

Psychosocial factors may have an important impact on injury recovery and return to work. To explore the influence of psychosocial factors in a cohort of injured military personnel, data were collected from 166 Marine Corps basic training recruits with musculoskeletal injuries. This sample was followed prospectively to determine whether they graduated from basic training or were discharged from the Marines. Demographic, injury-related, and psychosocial factors were analyzed to determine predictors of failure to graduate from basic training. The strongest risk factors for failing to graduate were not expecting to graduate, low or uncertain career intentions, lack of determination, psychological distress, and low organizational commitment. In the final multivariate logistics model, two predictors of failure to graduate emerged: not expecting to graduate and low or uncertain career intentions. The results suggest that interventions to reduce attrition in injured military populations should be designed to counter pessimistic expectations and emphasize career opportunities.