Gender differences in stress and coping among military security forces: implications for human resource management

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic intensified concerns about mental health and highlighted the importance of supportive and inclusive human resource practices, particularly in frontline professions. This study examined perceived stress and coping strategies among members of the Portuguese Republican Guard (GNR) and, from a gender-sensitive perspective, assessed whether differentiated human resource practices are needed in military security forces. A quantitative methodology was adopted, based on survey data collected from 383 GNR members across Portugal. Stress levels before and during the pandemic were measured with the DASS-21, and coping strategies were assessed using the Brief COPE scale. The findings show that the GNR personnel experienced significantly higher stress during the pandemic. Higher stress levels were reported by women, personnel with children, those in lower hierarchical positions, and those who feared contracting COVID-19. The most frequently used coping strategies were acceptance, active coping, and planning. Women reported greater use of emotional support and religion and showed a stronger tendency towards emotion-focused and avoidance coping, whereas men relied more on problem-focused coping. Avoidance was the least effective coping style, as it was associated with higher stress levels. These findings support gender-sensitive human resource practices and targeted mental health interventions in military organisations.