| Most of the information currently available about stress and coping in the fire service resulted from quantitative data, gathered after major, large-scale incidents. This study examined issues of daily incident stress and coping for five experienced firefighters from a mid-sized North Texas community. It also examined their coping styles and techniques against the principles of positive psychology, and sought to add to an understanding of firefighter culture. Findings were that chronic, daily exposure to firefighting tasks and traumatic events was as stressful as exposure at major incidents. Despite this, these men generally cope well. Coping was often relationship based, and positive psychology principles played a role in building resilience and managing distress. When coping failed, the firefighters rarely used employee assistance programs, or EAPs. They recommended that mental health professionals learn about firefighter culture and stressors in order to work effectively with this population. Additional ways in which psychologists can be of service to this high risk group are also discussed. |
