A Behavioral-Analytic Model for Assessing Stress in Firefighters

Abstract

Research has documented a number of acute and chronic stressors unique to the fire service. Due to the rise in mental health concerns in firefighters, there has been increased awareness of the negative effects of unmanaged stress. The present study employed a behavioral-analytic model to construct a brief screening measure of stress for this population: the Firefighter Assessment of Stress Test (FAST). Psychometric properties of the FAST were evaluated using data from active-duty firefighters throughout the United States. Results indicated the FAST has good internal reliability ( α = 0.89), as well as good convergent and discriminant validity. Also, the factor structure of the FAST revealed three significant subscales reflective of stress associated with responding to calls, administrative difficulties, and being overworked. Scoring and interpretation guidelines were established to suggest when further assessment is warranted. The FAST offers a brief and valid method of self-assessment of current stress levels in firefighters. Information obtained from the FAST (i.e., overall stress level and domains) has the potential to facilitate more immediate identification and recognition of stress in firefighters than what has been possible to date. Moreover, heightened awareness of stress and its effects will hopefully culminate in expanded efforts directed toward stress reduction and intervention for firefighters and their families.

Firefighter Stress and Mental Health: Introduction to the Special Issue

“…In the first paper of this Special Issue, Schuhmann et al (2021) outline the development and validation of the Firefighter Assessment of Stress Test (FAST). Using the behavioral-analytic model of test construction, this self-administered screening tool includes items specific to the unique stressors experienced by fire rescue personnel.…”

Mental Stress Assessment in the Workplace: A Review

“…As for measuring stress in a risky and dangerous work environment, it is uncommon to find surveys that consider such fast-paced environments. However, Schuhmann et al developed a novel self-assessment tool for firefighters, and it is known as the Firefighter Assessment of Stress Test (FAST) [78]. This tool has major advantages in not only determining the firefighters' stressors, but also prompting brief questions that do not interfere with their on-duty tasks.…”

The allostatic load model: a framework to understand the cumulative multi-system impact of work-related psychosocial stress exposure among firefighters

“…Alphabetical listing of assessment tools commonly used to measure psychosocial stress among firefighters. Measurement Tool Source Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) Kristensen et al ( 2005 ) Effort-Reward Imbalance Questionnaire (ERIQ) Siegrist et al ( 2004 ) Firefighter Assessment of Stress Test (FAST) Schuhmann et al ( 2022 ) Guarding Minds at Work (GM@W) Gilbert and Samra ( 2010 ) Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) Karasek et al ( 1998 ) Job Stress Survey (JSS) Spielberger and Reheiser ( 1994 ) Korean Occupational Stress Scale (KOSS) Chang et al ( 2005 ) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Generic Job Stress Questionnaire National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Hurrell and McLaney ( 1988 ) Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) Cohen et al ( 1993 ) Sources of Occupational Stress Scale (SOOS-14) Kimbrel et al ( 2011 ) …”