Can meaning buffer work pressure? An exploratory study on styles of meaning in life and burnout in firefighters

Abstract

SummaryAim: The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between different dimensions of meaning in life (personal meaning, the presence of meaning, a search for meaning) and burnout among firefighters. In addition, the differences in the level of burnout in firefighters were evaluated within the three of meaning in life.Method: Participants were 189 firefighters randomly recruited from 12 fire stations in southern Poland; they participated in the study voluntarily. The age range was 20-50 years (mean 33.04 years, SD = 7.87). The following questionnaires were used: the Personal Meaning Profile, the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory.Results: Firefighters with higher levels of personal meaning and presence of meaning reported less emotional exhaustion and depersonalization and more personal accomplishment. Most of the personal meaning dimensions also had significant associations with burnout indicators: individuals with detached style had higher levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization than individuals with presence style and presence and search style. Discussion:Meaning structures are an important salutary factor that enables firefighters to effectively comprehend and interpret their work-related experiences, and thus reduces the likelihood of distress and weariness they experience. Search for meaning has beneficial effects on burnout consequences among firefighters only if it is linked with presence of meaning. Conclusions:Having valuable goals and purpose in life endows individuals with meaningful experiences that form the building blocks of meaning in life that neutralize the processes and effects of burnout. meaning in life/burnout/firefighters/work-related stress

Awareness of Meaning in Life is Protective Against Burnout Among Family Physicians: A CERA Study

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Meaning in Life Moderates the Relationship Between Sacred Loss/Desecration and Health

“…But more than this, Frankl saw meaning as being one of the most important resources for coping with adversity: "There is nothing in the world, I would venture to say, that would so effectively help one to survive even the worst conditions as the knowledge that there is a meaning in one's life" ([1946] 1984:126). Consistent with the views of Frankl ([1946] 1984), findings from a number of studies suggest that a sense of meaning in life moderates the effects of stress on health (e.g., Haynes et al 2015;Krause 2007;Krause, Pargament, and Ironson 2017;Krok 2016).…”

“…Consistent with the views of Frankl ([] 1984), findings from a number of studies suggest that a sense of meaning in life moderates the effects of stress on health (e.g., Haynes et al. ; Krause ; Krause, Pargament, and Ironson ; Krok ).…”

Meaning in life and self‐esteem help hospice nurses withstand prolonged exposure to death

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