LAUSR

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between psychological hardiness, basic psychological need (BPN) satisfaction (Self-Determination theory, Deci & Ryan, 2000), soldiers’ engagement, and general self-reported health. We hypothesized that the effect of psychological hardiness on soldiers’ engagement and general health is mediated by the satisfaction of basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness). Data from a questionnaire survey was collected among soldiers of the Lithuanian Armed forces (N = 506) using The Hardiness – Resilience Gauge (HRG), Basic Need Satisfaction at Work Scale, Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES – 9) and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ – 12). Structural equation modelling was used to evaluate the hypothesis of a mediating role of BPN satisfaction within the relationship between hardiness and soldier’s engagement and general health. The results showed mediating effects of satisfaction of BPN on psychological hardiness and health, and engagement relationship, thus providing support for our hypothesis. Implications of the results are discussed.