Comparative analysis of the psychological status of the EMERCOM of Russia State Fire Service employees in correlation with work experience

Abstract

Relevance. Considering the modern geopolitical situation, the increased risk of terrorist attacks and large-scale disasters enforces more stringent requirements to the non-stop readiness to emergency response, overstretching efficiency parameters and stress tolerance in employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia.The objective is to identify the indicators of professional psychological maturity among employees of the State Fire Service (GPS) of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia.Methods. Using the Bass–Darky technique (BDHI), the WHOQOL-26 quality of life questionnaire and the Maslach burnout syndrome questionnaire (MBI), 182 employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia were examined (98 individuals with work experience of 5 years and over and 84 individuals with work experience of 2 years or less); the control group included 122 individuals of non-extreme professions. The age of respondents ranged from 20 to 35 years. The survey data were verified for parameter distribution normality; arithmetic averages and standard deviations were calculated.Results and discussion. The performance of duties by firefighters in extreme scenarios (intense physical exertion and mental stress) may be associated with exhibiting negative personality manifestations, such as aggression, suspicion, hostility, psychological manifestations of professional burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced professional communication), decrease satisfaction with the quality of life. It turned out that firefighters with work experience of 5 years and over show a significantly higher rate of such manifestations and develop them faster than professionals doing other jobs.Conclusion. The conducted research shows the need for further studied regarding the psychological status of firefighters, especially after 5 years of professional experience.