Factors related to the appraisal of stress in firefighters

Elizabeth Ann Kling, Purdue University

Abstract

Firefighters and other rescue personnel work under uniquely stressful conditions. The purpose of this study was to explore three aspects of firefighters and rescue situations proposed to affect the occurrence and severity of stress reactions. The factors studied were degree of belief in a just world, measured by the Just World Scale; identification with the victim, and perceived responsibility of the victims for risking injury to themselves through carelessness. Identification and responsibility were varied by means of vignettes describing firefighting situations. Reactions were measured using a question about what was perceived as being "at stake," a questionnaire assessing appraisal of stress, and a questionnaire regarding subsequent symptomatology. Results indicate that firefighters find it more stressful to work at an incident in which another firefighter is injured than one in which a stranger is injured. Results regarding responsibility were mixed. Some evidence was found to indicate that it may be more stressful for firefighters to work with a victim whom they perceive to be innocent than with one who appears to be responsible, but further research is needed to explore this isue. No support for the hypothesis that degree of belief in a just world influences stress reactions was found. Some suggestions were made for employing the results of this research to modify rescue worker training practices.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Hartsough, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Psychotherapy

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