Reports on Psychology and Psychiatry Findings from U.S. Naval Academy Provide New Insights (Psychological and Physiological Changes During Basic, Underwater, Demolition/seal Training).

This article focuses on a longitudinal study examining psychological growth and physiological stress adaptation during a six-month U.S. Navy SEAL assessment and selection course. Conducted with 353 participants over three classes, the research measured psychological traits such as resilience, hardiness, and grit, alongside physiological markers including DHEA, DHEA-to-cortisol ratio, BDNF, NPY, and cortisol at four timepoints. Findings indicated that while resilience and hardiness initially declined, they subsequently increased, and certain physiological markers showed adaptation, though psychological and physiological changes did not follow identical patterns. The study was supported by multiple military and academic institutions and aims to enhance understanding of human adaptation in high-stress environments.