Sources of stress and work satisfaction, post-traumatic stress reactions and coping strategies in professional firefighters

Pavlić, Mia. (2012). Sources of stress and work satisfaction, post-traumatic stress reactions and coping strategies in professional firefighters. Diploma Thesis. Filozofski fakultet u Zagrebu, Department of Psychology. [mentor Lauri Korajlija, Anita].

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Abstract

The aim of this research was to investigate the sources of stress and satisfaction with work in professional firefighters employed in the City of Zagreb public fire brigade, as well as post-traumatic stress reactions and the coping strategies. Five fire-departments with total of 240 male participants were included in research. Questionnaire about sources of stress at work and Questionnaire about sources of work satisfaction were constructed for the purpose of this research, to which were added PTSD Checklist – civilian version (PCL-C) and Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE). It was determined that involvement of children victims in fire interventions represents strongest source of stress while possibility of helping people represents major cause of satisfaction. The total number of participants who fulfilled the criteria for PTSD reached 8.4%. Most often, the participants prefered problem oriented coping strategies, while the support of family and colleagues was emphesized as the most important in coping with stress. Differences were determined in stressfulness of particular aspects of work and psychical health as well as usefullness of possible sessions with psychologist. In addition, participants who were inclined to use avoidance as default coping strategy and those who were not satisfied with amount of family support showed more conspicuous symptoms of PTSD. Obtained results point out to the necessity for psychological support after major firefighting interventions.

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