The Expression of Personal Resilience in Voluntary Defence: Insights from the Lithuanian National Defence Volunteer Forces Study

Abstract

The article examines the phenomenon of psychological resilience within the Lithuanian National Defence Volunteer Forces (‘KASP’), focusing on the individual and personality factors that determine effective functioning under stress and uncertainty. Resilience is defined as a dynamic process that enables individuals to maintain psychological balance, a sense of meaning, and purposeful action even in challenging circumstances. An empirical study conducted between March and May 2025 involved 345 KASP members, of whom 240 were included in the analysis reported in the present article. The research employed the 14-Item Resilience Scale (RS-14) and the Big Five personality inventory. Results indicated that KASP members exhibit significantly higher levels of resilience compared to the general Lithuanian population. Conscientiousness, openness to experience, and extraversion were found to be the strongest positive predictors of resilience, while neuroticism was the most powerful negative predictor. The findings are in line with an interpretation that voluntary defence functions not only as a selective environment attracting psychologically robust individuals but also as a context that enhances adaptability, collective stability, and emotional resilience through shared purpose and teamwork.