Longitudinal Patterns of Distress and Resilience in Japan Self-Defense Forces Peacekeepers

Approximately one-fourth of the personnel experienced long-term psychological distress. Higher levels of pre-deployment resilience with cognitive flexibility, good sleep quality, and stable mood might play key protective roles. Post-deployment job stressors and support factors were also associated with psychological outcomes, highlighting the importance of strengthening post-deployment support systems along with pre-deployment interventions to enhance resilience, improve sleep, and stabilize mood to promote mental health among PKO personnel.