Moderating Effects Of Social Support And Humor On Burnout And Ptsd Among Firefighters

Download or read book Moderating Effects of Social Support and Humor on Burnout and PTSD Among Firefighters written by Lauren Reierson and published by . This book was released on 2022 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The impact of traumatic exposure among firefighters has been widely studied within the psychological literature over the last two decades due to the high risk for such occurrences as compared to most other occupations. Firefighting is one of the most dangerous occupations in North America, with a considerable mortality rate. Previous research has shown that due to job-related trauma, firefighters have incurred higher rates of mental health concerns and job burnout. However, the function of humor among firefighters as a social bonding agent and coping strategy is a new concept. The aim of the present study was to explore the moderating effect of humor and social support on PTSD and burnout among currently employed firefighters working in Southern California. It was hypothesized that: (a) trauma exposure would be significantly correlated with PTSD, burnout, and depression, (b) social support would moderate the effect of trauma on PTSD, burnout, and depression, (c) humor would act as a secondary moderator such that the moderating effect of social support would be conditional on the use of humor, and (d) sleep on and off shift would moderate the effect of trauma on PTSD and burnout. The participants recruited for this study were 153 (94% male, 71% Caucasian) currently employed firefighters from Southern California. Surveys completed through Qualtrics were analyzed using Hayes PROCESS macro model 3 and 1. Results showed that social support and humor independently predict PTSD symptoms, burnout, and depression. However, they do not significantly moderate the relationship between trauma experiences and PTSD or burnout symptoms. Furthermore, community support significantly moderated trauma experiences and depression symptoms. Finally, sleep on shift significantly moderated the relationship between trauma exposure and burnout symptoms, as well as sleep off shift on trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms. This study suggests that while social support and a sense of community are important factors in the well-being of a firefighter’s life, further treatment is needed to mitigate such painful symptoms due to the traumatic nature of their job. Furthermore, humor may function as a coping strategy among community members, but the results indicate that this is insufficient in the treatment and reduction of mental health concerns among firefighters on the job. One implication of these findings is that targeted behavioral health interventions within their community are essential to support the mental health of these firefighters. Furthermore, initiatives for increased sleep by employing agencies could significantly support the health and safety of this population.