Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Thesis Format

Integrated Article

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Health Promotion

Supervisor

Joy C MacDermid

Abstract

This thesis examines the association between resilience and anxiety symptoms among firefighters, considering demographic factors, and investigates critical incident exposures across different demographic groups. Regression models were used to analyze relationships between variables. Adjusted for demographic factors, firefighters with high resilience showed 95% lower odds of anxiety (OR= 0.05; 95% CI: 0.01-0.19). Significant differences in critical incident exposure and impact were found based on demographic factors. The study suggests the importance of considering both individual resilience and demographic factors in addressing firefighter mental health. While further research is warranted, these findings underscore the need for tailored interventions and targeted support systems that account for individual differences. Such approaches could lead to more effective strategies for enhancing psychological well-being among firefighters, potentially improving job performance.

Summary for Lay Audience

Firefighters routinely face stressful situations that can lead to mental health issues like anxiety. However, not all firefighters are affected equally. We wanted to understand what helps firefighters stay mentally healthy despite facing traumatic situations regularly. We looked at two important aspects of firefighters' mental health: their resilience and facing critical incidents. We surveyed firefighters in Ontario, Canada, asking about their experiences, feelings, and personal details like age and job type. It turns out that resilience is like a mental shield for firefighters. Those with high resilience were less likely to exhibit or develop anxiety symptoms, regardless of their age or gender. Think of resilience as a muscle - the stronger it is, the better it protects against stress. Also, firefighters with more years of service tend to have experienced a greater number of critical incidents with different levels, highlighting the cumulative nature of trauma in this profession. So, what does this mean for our firefighters and us? First, it suggests that helping firefighters build resilience could be a great way to protect their mental health. It's like giving them an extra layer of armor against the stress of their job. Secondly, we now know that different groups of firefighters might need different kinds of support. For example, those who've been on the job longer might benefit from specialized programs to help them process the many critical incidents they've faced. By understanding these factors, fire departments can create better mental health programs for their teams. This isn't just good for firefighters - it's good for all of us. After all, when our heroes are healthier and more resilient, they can take even better care of our communities. Our research is a step towards ensuring that those who keep us safe are themselves protected - not just physically, but mentally too.

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