RESUMEN
The present study examined coping strategies used by firefighters, the relationship between appraisals and coping strategies used, and the relationship between transitional coping strategies used and outcome coping efficacy for mental preparedness. Firefighter coping strategies of problem focused coping and seeking social support were found to have positive significant relationships to outcome coping efficacy, after transitioning from one critical incident to a second. The coping strategies of blamed self wishful thinking, and avoidance appear to have a negative significant relationship to outcome coping efficacy. Additionally, the appraisals of challenge and positive reappraisal to meet the challenge appear to have a positive significant relationship to problem focused coping and seeking social support. These findings on outcome coping efficacy may be of help to firefighters for rehabilitative efforts after traumatic incidents when used in the Peer Support Review intervention model.
Asunto(s)
Adaptación Psicológica , Socorristas/psicología , Bomberos/psicología , Solución de Problemas , Apoyo Social , Trastornos por Estrés Postraumático/diagnóstico , Trastornos por Estrés Postraumático/psicología , Adulto , Anticipación Psicológica , Arizona , Recolección de Datos , Mecanismos de Defensa , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Inventario de Personalidad/estadística & datos numéricos , Psicometría , Resiliencia Psicológica , Autoimagen , Trastornos por Estrés Postraumático/prevención & control , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Cumulative stress among firefighters may present as behavior changes that could be considered destructive for an individual and for the fire crew on which they serve. Through the use of effective leadership and open communication between personnel, destructive behaviors may be mitigated before a cascade of poor decisions affects the health and livelihood of the individual and those around him/her The Peer Support Action Plan presents several different intervention techniques in order to best cope with destructive behaviors, while providing follow-up and continued support by a trained Peer Support Action Team. The Peer Support Action Plan is not a disciplinary measure nor is it a guarantee of continued employment, but rather a coaching and support strategy to correct behaviors and keep firefighters at their optimum level of functioning and performance through coping efficacy (problem focused and seeking social support).