Exploration of potential indicators of burnout, psychological distress and post-traumatic stress disorder, among Australian female first responders.
Date
2022
Authors
Frazer, H.
Hansen, C.
Searle, A.
Lawrence-Wood, E.
Van Hooff, M.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Psychiatry Research, 2022; 316(114771):1-11
Statement of Responsibility
Conference Name
Abstract
There is limited research on the psychological wellbeing of female first responders (FRs) and therefore we explore potential indicators of burnout, psychological distress and post-traumatic stress disorder among Australian female FRs. We conducted an online health survey among Australian female FRs (fire, police, paramedical, aeromedical, remote area and other e.g., State Emergency Service). Of the 422 eligible participants who submitted the online survey, 286 completed at least 80% of all survey questions and were used in the final analyses. The main outcomes of interest were moderate burnout (compared to low burnout) and high scores for combined PCL-5/K10 (compared to low scores). Using logistical regression stepwise regression models, we analysed associations between the outcomes of interest and various work-psychosocial factors. Results showed the strongest indicators of moderate burnout to be, 1) returning to work with <12-hour break, 2) exposure to gossip and slander, 3) not enough time to do things, 4) and having experienced rape/sexual assault. The strongest indicators of higher PCL-5/K10 scores were, 1) exposure to unpleasant teasing, 2) pressure at work and home, 3) having experienced physical violence (e.g., beaten/mugged), and 4) someone close to them died unexpectedly. These findings show workforce stressors have more impact on female FRs psychological wellbeing, compared to lifetime traumatic exposures.
School/Discipline
Dissertation Note
Provenance
Description
Data source: Supplementary materials, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114771
Access Status
Rights
Copyright 2022 Elsevier B.V.