Male role norms and the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms among Polish male paramedics.

Abstract

Objectives: Knowledge of the incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the rescue profession is crucial for designing psycho-education to minimize the risk of its occurrence and increase the chance of providing effective assistance. The aim of the study was to analyze risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing PTSD among paramedics.

Material and methods: The study was conducted on 113 male paramedics. The study used the Impact of Event Scale - Revised, the Male Role Norms Scale and the Social Support Scale.

Results: The results showed that nearly 40% of the respondents suffer from PTSD. The paramedics who met the criteria for PTSD did not differ in their acceptance of male norms or the level of perceived social support from the paramedics who did not develop PTSD symptoms. Multiple regression analyses showed that the number of types of events experienced in the course of professional duties and male cultural norms related to social status were predictors of PTSD. Logistic regression analysis revealed that acceptance of male norm of anti-femininity increased the likelihood of developing PTSD.

Conclusions: The results showed that men who performed stereotypically male professions could be less likely to seek specialist help in PTSD situations because such behavior does not fit the role of a strong, assertive man in social perception. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(3):280-295.