NEUROSIS AND GROUP MOTIVATION
Abstract
It is impossible to make combat itself any less dangerous or pleasant. It is also impossible to improve to any great degree the inherent emotional stamina of our manpower. It is feasible and essential, to prepare men emotionally in such a way that their reaction to combat will be better. This emotional preparation is "morale."
Neurosis develops when anxiety reaches such a point that it requires most of the soldier's energy to fight it, and it interferes seriously with his ability to fight the enemy.
The development of neurosis in a given combat situation depends upon the extent to which the soldier has become part of his group, also the direction and effectiveness of the hostility which is aroused. Resentment and hostility are present in every soldier, particularly when he is under stress. If they are directed toward the enemy in the form of effective action, he can function as a good soldier, and is less likely to develop more anxiety. If they are misdirected, or cannot be expressed, excessive anxiety develops, and may be disabling.
Good morale protects the soldier from anxiety, first, by offering him the protection derived from group identification, and second, by directing hostility into proper channels. It does not produce hostility; it merely directs that which is already present.
The primary step in good morale is the establishment of superior leadership, particularly at the company level. Identification with larger military units, such as the regiment, division and field army, are desirable because of their greater permanence and power, protecting the soldier when smaller units are disintegrated in combat.
It is essential to inculcate loyalty toward larger and more stable groups, toward the Army, the government, the nation and the Allied war effort. This program, based largely upon furnishing information to the soldier, when skillfully presented by able officers, has been accepted by the soldier, even by the neurotic soldier. It has been especially useful in directing the hostility already present into proper channels, away from command, authority and allied groups, and toward the enemy.
Psychoneurotic casualties will eventually occur in combat no matter how good the group morale may be. Nevertheless, high morale will delay their occurrence and lower their expected incidence.
Finally, it is our contention that a soldier who is well led, knows why he is fighting and believes in the necessity for fighting, will not only remain on the line longer and fight better, but will be less likely to be disabled by neurosis.
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