Predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder and other psychological symptoms in trauma-exposed firefighters.

Abstract

Firefighters are exposed to a range of potentially traumatic stressors, yet studies examining the impact of this exposure are equivocal. Although some studies suggest increased risk for mental health problems, others suggest unusual resilience. Type of assessment methodology may contribute to the lack of consistent findings. We assessed 142 trauma-exposed, professional firefighters utilizing a standardized clinical interview and self-report measures and found low rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnoses (4.2%), and depressive, anxiety, and alcohol-abuse symptoms. Frequency of trauma exposure did not predict psychological symptoms. Perceived social support, occupational stress, coping, as well as the interaction between perceived social support and self-blame were significant predictors of symptoms. Firefighters reporting low-perceived social support and high self-blame demonstrated the highest levels of clinically significant symptoms. These findings may inform education, treatment, and resilience training for emergency personnel.

Prevalência e Preditores de Burnout em Bombeiros

“…Estressores ocupacionais, quando persistentes, são considerados importantes preditores dos resultados de saúde mental entre esses profissionais, e a SB apresenta-se como uma das possíveis consequências geradas por esta atividade (Meyer et al, 2012). No caso dos profissionais bombeiros, os estudos apresentam como fatores estressores dessa profissão aspectos relacionados diretamente à natureza de suas atividades laborais, como o contato direto com a morte, acidentes envolvendo colegas de trabalho, necessidade de autocontrole de suas respostas emocionais, permanência constante em estado de alerta e a prestação de ajuda a pessoas jovens com ferimentos sérios ou mesmo óbito; e, ainda, o nível educacional do profissional e aspectos relacionados às condições e estrutura organizacional, como tipo de cargo ocupado, tempo de experiência profissional, tempo de atuação na instituição, qualificação profissional, jornada de trabalho, sobrecarga de trabalho, horas extras e possuir mais de um vínculo empregatício (Baptista, Morais, Carmo, Souza, & Cunha, 2005;Beaton, & Murphy, 1993;Cardoso, 2004;Santos, & Passos, 2010;Silva, Lima, & Caixeta, 2010).…”

An investigation of the rescue personality in firefighter recruits.

“…One o f these consequences is an increased sense o f camaraderie (Carey et al, 2011). It is possible that this high level o f cohesion could reduce overall stress by improving social support within the organization (Meyer et al, 2012). However, some studies present conflicting theories in fire department interpersonal relations throughout a firefighter's career.…”

“…The most common o f these symptoms was feeling emotionally upset when reminded o f the event (55%), followed by having upsetting thoughts or images about the event (32%), and having trouble falling or staying asleep (23%) (Haslam & Mallon, 2003). It should also be noted that failure to find any real prevalence o f PTSD attributable to firefighting service could be due to very limited sample size (n = 31; Haslam & Mallon, 2003) compared to the previously mentioned German (n = 318; Wagner et al, 1998) Studies conducted in the United States and Canada are also limited, with the lowest point prevalence o f PTSD among firefighters participating in daily duty reported to be 4.2% (Meyer et al, 2012). However, this value fluctuates between 4 and 13% depending on the method used to determine PTSD status (Meyer et al, 2012)-a discrepancy that punctuates the difficulties associated with using standardized tools in diagnosing PTSD.…”

“…However, some studies present conflicting theories in fire department interpersonal relations throughout a firefighter's career. One such study reports 14 years o f fire service leading to improved cohesion (Meyer et al, 2012), while another suggests cohesion starts strong, but fails as years o f service progress (Regehr et al, 2003). The concept behind the latter study's claims is that new recruits are part o f a "honeymoon" phase where excitement is high, and that this phase dissipates as opportunities to advance in rank result in competition between colleagues.…”

“…It should also be noted that failure to find any real prevalence o f PTSD attributable to firefighting service could be due to very limited sample size (n = 31; Haslam & Mallon, 2003) compared to the previously mentioned German (n = 318; Wagner et al, 1998) Studies conducted in the United States and Canada are also limited, with the lowest point prevalence o f PTSD among firefighters participating in daily duty reported to be 4.2% (Meyer et al, 2012). However, this value fluctuates between 4 and 13% depending on the method used to determine PTSD status (Meyer et al, 2012)-a discrepancy that punctuates the difficulties associated with using standardized tools in diagnosing PTSD. Although these average PTSD rates are comparable to rates seen in the general population, one study found the prevalence o f PTSD among American and Canadian firefighters to be 22.2% and 17.3% respectively (Comeil et al, 1999).…”