Psychological strength training as an evidence based targeted intervention for the primary prevention of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

A four hour psychological strength training program, to be delivered over four, one hour sessions as part of initial recruit training. The one hour module were delivered throughout the duration of recruit training school (15 weeks) by a psychologist; the time for each module within each recruit school was varied to fit in with DFES scheduling requirements, with Module 1 always delivered in the first week of recruit training and Module 4 always delivered in the final week of recruit training. Modules were delivered in a group format; attendance was not recorded as attendance of all aspects of recruit training is required by DFES for graduation from recruit school. Each one-hour MAPS session comprised a fully contained module. The MAPS precis was presented at the start and end of each session, as follows: Creating strong MAPS: 1. Moment—Take a moment to choose the strongest option 2. Assess—Make an assessment of what the situation is, what is happening for you (internally and externally) and what outcome you would like. 3. Plan—Plan your course of action 4. Support—what support(s) might you need to follow through with the strongest possible response? Module One was an introduction to the MAPS program. The objective of Module Two was to instruct participants in how to “take a moment” to be able to choose their response while under stress. These concepts were revisited and consolidated in Module Three, where the concept of identifying and using appropriate supports was added. The final MAPS module targeted maintenance and self-care.