The Impact of Resilience and Traumatic Stress Coping on Burnout among Firefighters

Abstract

Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of firefighters' resilience and coping methods for trauma-related stress on their burnout, and to provide theoretical evidence for proactive intervention and strategies to overcome firefighter burnout. Methods For this purpose, a survey was conducted among 4,196 firefighters working nationwide, and the data collected was analyzed using t-test, AOVA, and hierarchical regression analysis. Results The results showed that on average, firefighters experienced burnout 2-3 times a month, with male gender, age in the 40s, married, more than 10 years and less than 15 years of service, work type as a day shift, and current job as an administrative position. The regression equation was statistically significant (F=366.835, p<.001), and the higher the resilience, the lower the psychological burnout, and the higher the capacity for social support-seeking coping during active coping and emotion-focused coping during passive coping tended to reduce job burnout. Conclusions Based on the results of this study, multidimensional measures should be taken to increase resilience, social support, and emotion-focused coping in order to reduce burnout among firefighters.