THE MENTAL HEALTH OF BORDER SOLDIERS

Abstract

The conditions of this assignment mission were often uncontrollable and unsafe, leaving soldiers frustrated and predicted to experience post-traumatic stress disorder. This research aims to provide an overview of the psychological perspective of Indonesian National Armed Forces soldiers who serve at national borders. The research design uses a qualitative approach using problem research procedures. Semi-structured interviews were conducted by digging up information orally about experiences open and closed problems—information analysis using the Colaizzi method. The validity of the information was carried out by re-confirming the respondent to determine the suitability of the information with the transcript, conducting re-discussions with the research team in order to obtain a narrative that was in accordance with the respondent's experience. We found four themes and three sub-themes related to the mental problems of border soldiers. The themes encountered were Feeling honoured to be given a task, Priority, Ready to carry out tasks, and Ways to cope with stress. The sub-themes are related to priorities, namely tasks or family, work or family, and sad to leave the family. Future research could be directed towards identifying potential discouragement in servicemen during service life. In addition, it was knowing the potential power of family support during the service of the soldier.