FROM INDIVIDUALS TO TEAMS: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW ON ADAPTABILITY AND RESILIENCE IN A TACTICAL ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

In dynamic and high-pressure tactical environments, such as those faced by military and security forces, adaptability and resilience are crucial for maintaining sustained operational effectiveness. While a substantial body of research has explored these constructs, there is limited integration across individual and team-level factors within such environments. The current study systematically reviewed and synthesised prior studies on the mental and social factors influencing adaptability and resilience in tactical environments. Employing the Reporting Standards for Systematic Evidence Syntheses (ROSES) methodology, articles were identified through two major academic databases: Scopus and Web of Science. The study was structured in three stages: identification, screening, and eligibility assessment, resulting in the selection of 12 relevant empirical studies published between 2002 and 2024. Duplicates were removed, and inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed studies involving military, paramilitary, or emergency personnel. The findings were analysed thematically and categorised into five core domains: (i) cognitive competence, (ii) emotional regulations, (iii) personality attributes, (iv) team dynamics, and (v) adaptive outcomes. Across the reviewed studies, factors such as self-efficacy, cognitive flexibility, boldness, mindfulness, cultural intelligence, and shared adversity were found to significantly influence adaptability and resilience at both the individual and team levels. The findings of this study revealed the significance of multilevel frameworks in the development of training programmes, leadership enhancement, and resilience-building strategies in tactical environments. The review also highlighted theoretical gaps and methodological limitations, providing directions for future research to strengthen performance and cohesion under stress.