Hypothesis: Military "People" Achieve Better Dialysis Results Through GRIT - Henry Feeser's Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) journey

In the past couple of blogs, I have developed the concept of GRIT, first as it applies to people like myself on Peritoneal Dialysis, then the background of the situation I faced in the military, which I posit enhanced the concept in me. In this last blog about the concept of GRIT, we will delve into the title, which addresses the Hypothesis: People with military training and experience are positioned to achieve better dialysis results than their civilian counterparts, all else being equal.

To address this hypothesis, I turned to Perplexity with the following Prompt and results:

Prompt: Do military personnel, through training and facing the enemy, have more grit than civilians?

Military personnel who undergo training and face enemy situations tend to exhibit higher levels of grit and psychological resilience compared to civilians, especially those without similar endurance training or exposure to adversity.pjpr.scione+2

Grit and Military Training

Military training is specifically designed to push individuals beyond their comfort zones through deliberate practice, endurance tasks, and facing realistic stressors, often fostering higher grit, which is defined as sustained passion and perseverance toward long-term goals.pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih+2
Studies show that military trainees with higher grit scores are more likely to complete challenging courses, such as special operations selection, than those with lower grit.havokjournal
Grit can be cultivated through exposure to adversity and repeated, goal-driven practice, which is central to military environments but less so in typical civilian life.gritmilitarygym+1

Resilience and Psychological Well-Being

Research comparing military personnel (with endurance training) and civilians (with none) finds that service members score higher on psychological well-being and often display more adaptive emotional regulation under stress.onlinelibrary.wiley+1
While raw resilience scores (the ability to bounce back from hardship) may not always differ significantly, the way resilience translates into effective coping and well-being is generally more pronounced in the military group.pjpr.scione
Military environments promote collective resilience through teamwork, strict discipline, and a shared sense of purpose, contributing to grit and the capacity to face adversity.gritmilitarygym+1

Civilian and Military Comparison

Civilians typically have higher expressive suppression (hiding feelings), potentially due to fewer structured challenges or less need for overt emotional regulation in routine life.pjpr.scione
Military personnel’s frequent exposure to controlled adversity and high-stress simulations enhances grit and moral competence, critical in mission success and facing real-world adversities.pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih+1
However, individual differences exist, and not all military or civilian individuals respond identically to adversity; both nature and nurture contribute to grit development.havokjournal

In summary, rigorous military training and facing enemy threats generally foster greater grit and resilience in military personnel compared to civilians, particularly those not exposed to comparable levels of adversity or structured endurance challenges.pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih+2

Based on the above research, it is evident that the hypothesis is valid. Here are some points to consider that are often overlooked. Military experience changes individuals in many ways, and I suggest it is GRiT, which is ingrained in their being through training and experience.

1. Discipline and Routine

Military training instills a strong sense of discipline, which can translate into a structured approach to managing health. This discipline helps patients adhere to dialysis schedules and treatment protocols, enhancing their likelihood of positive outcomes.

2. Mental Fortitude

Service members often develop resilience in the face of adversity. This mental toughness can help them cope with the physical and emotional challenges of dialysis, allowing them to persist through tough treatments and maintain a positive outlook.

3. Problem-Solving Skills

Military training emphasizes critical thinking and quick decision-making. This skill set can enable patients to navigate the complexities of their treatment plans, troubleshoot issues, and advocate for their needs more effectively.

4. Support Networks

Veterans typically have strong camaraderie with fellow service members, which can foster a robust support network. This community can provide emotional and practical support during the dialysis process, contributing to better psychological well-being and adherence to treatment.

5. Goal-Oriented Mindset

Military personnel are trained to set and achieve goals. This goal-oriented approach can motivate dialysis patients to focus on their health objectives, such as improving their overall well-being or preparing for a transplant.

6. Adaptability

The military environment often requires individuals to adapt to rapidly changing situations. This adaptability can help patients adjust their lifestyles and coping strategies in response to the challenges posed by dialysis.

7. Coping Mechanisms

Service members are trained to handle stress and trauma, which can enhance their ability to cope with the emotional aspects of chronic illness. This can lead to improved mental health, reducing anxiety and depression commonly associated with dialysis.

8. Advocacy and Empowerment

Veterans are often well-versed in navigating systems and advocating for their needs. This empowerment can translate to proactive engagement in their healthcare, leading to better communication with healthcare providers and improved treatment outcomes.

Conclusion

Overall, the combination of discipline, resilience, support systems, and a goal-oriented mindset associated with military backgrounds can significantly enhance grit in dialysis patients. This grit not only helps them endure the rigors of treatment but also improves their overall health outcomes.

Hypothesis: Military “People” Achieve Better Dialysis Results Through GRIT