The Effects of Military Service Experience on Psychiatric Symptoms Among U.S. Firefighter

Individuals employed in first responder professions are at risk for the development of psychiatric symptoms. Two of these professions, firefighting and military service, demonstrate a strong overlap of employees. Prior research has demonstrated increased prevalence rates of psychiatric symptoms, including suicide-related behaviors among firefighters. Subpopulations within this occupation provide an opportunity to inform tailored prevention and intervention tactics. One such subpopulation are firefighters with military service history (concurrent and prior). The current study looks to investigate psychiatric symptom differences between firefighters with and without military service history. We hypothesized an additive effect of military service, such that firefighters with a history of military service will be at increased risk for various psychiatric symptoms compared to their civilian-only counterparts. In addition, potential theoretically-based explanatory constructs will be used to investigate mechanisms of significant relationships between military service and psychiatric outcomes. Results did not support an additive effect of military service history within the firefighting profession, as firefighters with military service history were not more likely to endorse various psychiatric symptoms. Military service history was found to be significantly related to career NSSI, such that firefighters with a history of military service were 2.52 times more likely to report a career history of NSSI. Emotion dysregulation did not explain this relationship. Further investigation into the type of military service history suggests firefighters who are also reservists in the armed forces are at particular risk for suicide-related behaviors. Compared to civilian-only firefighters, firefighters with a history of active duty service and national guard service also demonstrated increased risk for suicide-related behaviors. The present study's results indicate the type of military service, rather than military service in general, is particularly relevant for suicide-related behaviors within a firefighter population. Future directions for further investigation into this unique population are discussed.