MILITARY IDENTITY AS A PREDICTOR OF EUDAIMONIC (EUDEMONIC) WELLBEING OF SOLDIERS IN 302 ARTILLERY REGIMENT, ONITSHA, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examines military identity as a predictor of Eudaimonic (Eudemonic) wellbeing among soldiers in the 302 Artillery Regiment, Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. Eudaimonic (Eudemonic) wellbeing, characterized by fulfillment, optimal functioning, and psychological vitality, is crucial for soldiers facing unique stressors such as military demands and societal pressures. The study, anchored on the Big Five Personality Theory, employed a predictive and cross-sectional design, utilizing hierarchical linear regression for analysis. The statistics was hierarchical regression statistics. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in data analysis using IBM SPSS version 25. A sample of 219 soldiers (155 males and 64 females) aged 25–59 (mean age = 37.42, SD = 8.59) was selected using purposive, incidental, and cluster sampling techniques. Data were collected using the Eudaimonic (Eudemonic) Wellbeing Scale, and Military Identity Scale. Findings revealed that military identity (R² = 0.138, p < 0.01) significantly predicted Eudaimonic (Eudemonic) wellbeing. Specifically, professionalism (β = 0.532, p < 0.01) and individualism (β = 0.702, p < 0.05) dimensions of military identity were significant predictors, while idealism (β = 0.122, p > 0.05) was non-significant. Findings showed that military identity significantly predicted Eudaimonic (Eudemonic) wellbeing of Nigerian soldiers in 302 artillery regiment, Onitsha, Nigeria. Professionalism and individualism dimensions of military identity were significant predictors of Eudaimonic (Eudemonic) wellbeing. However, idealism dimension was a non-significant predictor of Eudaimonic (Eudemonic) wellbeing. Furthermore, military identity itself, idealism dimension, professionalism dimension and individualism dimension of military identity had positive and significant relationship with Eudaimonic (Eudemonic) wellbeing. By implications the findings underscore the importance of fostering ideal military culture that strengthens identity. It is therefore recommended for efforts to be made to strengthen military identity among Nigeria military. As a contribution to knowledge, the study gives insights to practical applications of military identity in military training and policy formation, particularly among the African military.