Perceived Stress Among Armed Forces Members

Abstract This study examines the level of perceived organizational stress among active-duty personnel in the Romanian Land Forces. The main objectives are to assess the perceived stress level and to identify significant differences based on gender, the organizational structure of the armed forces and age group. The working hypothesis states that perceived stress levels vary significantly according to these demographic and organizational variables. The research was conducted on a sample of 397 military personnel selected from various units of the Romanian Land Forces. Data collection was carried out using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), developed by S. Cohen and D. Janicki-Deverts, a validated psychometric instrument widely used to assess individuals’ subjective perception of daily stress. The results highlight relevant differences in stress levels depending on the analyzed variables, offering a useful framework for understanding the impact of perceived stress on military personnel. The findings support the need for targeted organizational policies and adaptive intervention strategies to promote psychological well-being and enhance resilience within the military environment.