Citation

Weinberg SK. Am. J. Sociol. 1946; 51(5): 465-478.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1946, University of Chicago Press)

DOI

10.1086/219859

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The main types of neuroses among combat soldiers are the anxiety, "mixed," and hysteria patterns. Anxiety, the most prevalent type, usually had a slow onset and usually occurred on the battlefield. Not necessarily an outgrowth of neurotic predisposition, it seemed to be more directly related to the precipitating experiences. When the soldier was unable to cope defensively with a series of situations, he lost self-confidence, he felt self-condemmatory, and his capacity for sociability declined and his craving for affection became intensified. Anxiety expressions were thwarted by the army unit when these reactions impeded its efficiency. Capable leadership and solidarity were important in preventing combat collapse.