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Stamatis A, Papadakis Z, Beitia P. Concurrent Validity and Inter-Rater Reliability Assessment of Two Mental Toughness Instruments in Firefighting: A Two-Wave Longitudinal Study. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:523. [PMID: 39062346 PMCID: PMC11273803 DOI: 10.3390/bs14070523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Mental toughness (MT), a construct linked to high-stress performance, is predominantly studied via self-assessment in cross-sectional designs. In the firefighting context, where no dedicated MT instrument exists, the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ) and the Military Training Mental Toughness Inventory (MTMTI) have been used. However, their reliability and concurrent validity remain unexamined. This study employs a two-wave longitudinal design involving sixty-two male firefighters. Over two days, they completed the SMTQ, while colleagues and officers assessed their MT using the MTMTI. Analyses included concurrent validity and inter-rater reliability tests. Inter-rater reliability exhibited minimal agreement (Day 1: κ = 0.04, p = 0.172; Day 2: κ = 0.05, p = 0.063), low internal consistency (Day 1: α = 0.03, ω = 0.03; Day 2: α = 0.45, ω = 0.45), and weak inter-rater correlations (Day 1: ICC2k < 0.001, 95%CI [-0.53, 0.35]; Day 2: ICC2k = 0.13, 95%CI [-0.33, 0.43]). Concurrent validity showed limited correlations between self-assessed SMTQ scores and MTMTI ratings on both days (Day 1: r = -0.09, p = 0.5; Day 2: r = 0.1, p = 0.5). These findings may underscore the necessity to develop firefighting-specific MT tools, recognizing the unique demands and nuances of this high-stress profession.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Stamatis
- Department of Health & Sport Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
- Sports Medicine Institute, University of Louisville Health, Louisville, KY 40208, USA
| | - Zacharias Papadakis
- Department of Health Promotion and Clinical Practice, Barry University, Miami Shores, FL 33161, USA; (Z.P.); (P.B.)
| | - Peter Beitia
- Department of Health Promotion and Clinical Practice, Barry University, Miami Shores, FL 33161, USA; (Z.P.); (P.B.)
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Nordstrand AE, Bøe HJ, Hjemdal O, Huffman AH, Noll LK, Reichelt JG, Bakker LP, Anyan F. Differences in resilience profiles between military veterans and the general population: An exploratory latent profile analysis using the HUNT-4 survey. Stress Health 2024; 40:e3343. [PMID: 37929999 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Using latent profile analyses, the current work investigated levels of adverse childhood experiences, symptoms of anxiety and depression and 3 dimensions of relational promotive factors) to identify resilience profiles in a large general population sample (N = 161,622, mean age = 53.02; SD = 17.80; 56.1% females). We then used the same method to identify the resilience profiles of military veterans (N = 386, mean age = 43.47; SD = 10.08; 9.8% females), all of whom had served in Afghanistan. A four-profile-solution was the best fitting for the general population (High resilient 30%, Moderate resilient 13%, Low resilient 53%, Work/social-based resilience 4%), while a three-profile-solution had the best fit in the veteran cohort (Family-based resilience 28%, Work/social-based resilience 62%, Hardy loners 10%). To ground the identified profiles in occupational function, we also checked how they predicted reports of sleep difficulties, job demand and job control. Despite both samples inhabiting a geographic region known for high socioeconomic similarity among residents, we found marked differences in profile-solutions between the military veterans and the general population. Our findings suggests that resilience profiles are highly influenced by cohort characteristics and the specific resources needed to manage a given stressor load. Accordingly, the generalisability of specific protective factors may be low across distinct cohorts, and reliable findings need to be obtained in specific populations as defined by stressor context, sample characteristics, and relevant outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Espetvedt Nordstrand
- Norwegian Armed Forces, Joint Medical Services, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Northern Arizona University (NAU), Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Hans Jakob Bøe
- Norwegian Armed Forces, Joint Medical Services, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo (UiO), Oslo, Norway
| | - Odin Hjemdal
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Ann Hergatt Huffman
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Northern Arizona University (NAU), Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Laura Katherine Noll
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Northern Arizona University (NAU), Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | | | | | - Frederick Anyan
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
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Zhang Y, Meng X, Zhou L. The impact of job stress on perceived professional benefits among Chinese nurses caring for patients with gynecological cancer: mediating effects of perceived social support and self-efficacy. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1344185. [PMID: 38633878 PMCID: PMC11021783 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1344185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Nurses caring for patients with gynecological cancer experience significant job stress, which adversely impacts their mental health. Previous studies have indicated that perceived professional benefits serves as a protective factor for nurses' mental health, and factors such as job stress, perceived social support and self-efficacy influence their perceived professional benefits. However, the relationships between these factors and the associated mechanisms have remained incompletely understood. This study explored the role of perceived social support and self-efficacy in job stress and perceived professional benefits among nurses caring for patients with gynecological cancer. Methods During June and July 2023, an investigation was conducted in Anhui Province. The Nurse Job Stressors Scale, Perceived Social Support Scale, Nurses' Perceived Professional Benefits Questionnaire and General Self-Efficacy Scale were administered to 311 nurses caring for patients with gynecological cancer. A chained-mediated effect model was constructed and validated. Results Job stress negatively affected nurses' perceived professional benefits. Perceived social support was a mediator in job stress and nurses' perceived professional benefits, with a mediating effect value of -0.093. Additionally, perceived social support and self-efficacy functioned as sequential mediators in this relationship, with a mediating effect value of -0.032. Conclusion This study unveils the influencing mechanisms of job stress on perceived professional benefits of nurses caring for patients with gynecological cancer. It is essential for nursing managers to alleviate nurses' job stress, provide sufficient and effective social support and improve their self-efficacy, ultimately enhancing their perceived professional benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lihua Zhou
- School of Nursing, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Geuzinge R, Visse M, Vermetten E, Duyndam J. Differentiating social environments of high-risk professionals and specialised nurses: a qualitative empirical study on social embeddedness. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2024; 15:2306792. [PMID: 38289061 PMCID: PMC10829832 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2024.2306792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: High-risk professionals and specialised nurses in hospitals are frequently exposed to potentially traumatic events. Psychotrauma researchers have extensively studied personal risk factors of traumatisation among high-risk professionals, but it is hard to understand psychological functioning when professionals are decontextualised from their social environment. Generally, it has been well documented that to reduce the risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other mental health problems related to traumatisation, it is essential to be embedded in a supportive social environment. However, study results among and within these occupational groups show great variety and even inconsistencies as to what is a supportive social environment.Method: This ethnographical research, including participant observation, in-depth interviews, and document analysis, explored the social environment of firefighters, police officers, ambulance paramedics, specialised nurses, and military personnel and aims to explore their social connections and embeddedness. We performed a thematic content analysis of data to identify themes related to social or emotional support, social relationships, and stress or traumatisation.Results: An analysis of the observational field notes, which covered 332 h of participant observation and 71 evenly distributed formal in-depth interviews, identified four themes related to social connections and embeddedness: Family, Hierarchical relations versus autonomy, Group versus individual, and Conditional family 'love'. Results revealed that the military, police, and professional firefighters have family-like hierarchical connections and highly value group unity. Paramedics and most specialised nurses, however, tend to value individuality and autonomy in their work relationships.Conclusion: This research shows noticeable differences in the social environments and social connections of these professionals, which implicates that prevention and mental health treatment might also have to be differentiated among occupational groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renate Geuzinge
- Humanism and Social Resilience, University of Humanistic Studies, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Merel Visse
- Care Ethics, University of Humanistic Studies, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Eric Vermetten
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Joachim Duyndam
- Humanism and Social Resilience, University of Humanistic Studies, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Liu Z, Zhao X, Zhao L, Zhang L. Relationship between perceived social support and mental health among Chinese college football athletes: a moderated mediation model. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:329. [PMID: 37822005 PMCID: PMC10568796 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01357-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous researches have confirmed that perceived social support has a profound effect on individuals' mental health. However, the effects and potential mechanisms of perceived social support on mental health of college athletes are still largely unknown, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the relationship between perceived social support and mental health in college football athletes, and to evaluate whether hopelessness and psychological pressure affected this relationship. A sample of 672 Chinese college football athletes (37.9% girls; Mage = 20.43 years; SDage = 1.68) were investigated with the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Surveys were voluntary and anonymous. The findings revealed that, after adjusting for demographic factors, hopelessness mediated the relationship between Chinese college football athletes' perceived social support and their mental health. Furthermore, psychological pressure moderated the negative association between perceived social support and hopelessness, and the association was stronger for them with high-level psychological pressure. These results underline the need for focused strategies in the prevention and treatment of mental health issues among Chinese college football athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongyu Liu
- School of Physical Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250061, China
| | - Xiuhan Zhao
- School of Physical Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250061, China
| | - Liangyu Zhao
- School of Physical Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250061, China
| | - Liguo Zhang
- School of Physical Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250061, China.
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Hoell A, Kourmpeli E, Dressing H. Work-related posttraumatic stress disorder in paramedics in comparison to data from the general population of working age. A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1151248. [PMID: 36969652 PMCID: PMC10035789 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1151248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveParamedics are at particularly high risk for developing posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSD). Hitherto, evidence for higher prevalence rates in paramedics compared to the general population is vague. We aimed to determine and compare 12-month prevalence of PTSD in paramedics and general population from high-income countries.MethodsWe conducted systematic review processes to identify relevant studies for inclusion. For paramedics, we searched relevant databases, reference lists, and did citation tracking. Inclusion criteria were applied according to PICO. Quality of the studies was assessed using a validated methodological rating tool. Twelve-month prevalence data from all studies were pooled using random effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed to identify sources of heterogeneity.ResultsIn total, we found 41 distinct samples with 17,045 paramedics, 55 samples with 311,547 individuals from non-exposed general population, 39 samples with 118,806 individuals from populations affected by natural disasters, and 22 samples with 99,222 individuals from populations affected by human-made disasters. Pooled 12-month prevalence estimates of PTSD were 20.0, 3.1, 15.6, and 12.0%, respectively. Prevalence estimates in paramedics varied with methodological quality and measurement instrument. Paramedics reporting distinct critical incidences had lower pooled prevalence than paramedics reporting indistinct types of exposure.ConclusionParamedics have a pooled prevalence of PTSD that is considerably higher than rates of unexposed general population and populations affected by human-made disasters. Chronic exposure to low-threshold traumatic events during daily routine work is a risk factor for developing PTSD. Strategies to ensure long working lifetime are strongly needed.
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Glorieux V, Lo Bue S, Euwema M. Reintegration of crisis services employees: a systematic literature review. JOURNAL OF GLOBAL MOBILITY: THE HOME OF EXPATRIATE MANAGEMENT RESEARCH 2023. [DOI: 10.1108/jgm-06-2022-0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
PurposeCrisis services personnel are frequently deployed around the globe under highly demanding conditions. This raises the need to better understand the deployment process and more especially, sustainable reintegration after deployment. Despite recent research efforts, the study of the post-deployment stage, more specifically the reintegration process, remains fragmented and limited. To address these limitations, this review aims at (1) describing how reintegration is conceptualised and measured in the existing literature, (2) identifying what dimensions are associated with the reintegration process and (3) identifying what we know about the process of reintegration in terms of timing and phases.Design/methodology/approachFollowing the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) protocol, the authors identified 5,859 documents across several scientific databases published between 1995 and 2021. Based on predefined eligibility criteria, 104 documents were yielded.FindingsResearch has primarily focused on descriptive studies of negative individual and interpersonal outcomes after deployment. However, this review indicates that reintegration is dynamic, multi-sector, multidimensional and dual. Each of its phases and dimensions is associated with distinct challenges.Originality/valueTo the authors’ knowledge, this is the first research that investigates reintegration among different crisis services and provides an integrative social-ecological framework that identifies the different dimensions and challenges of this process.
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Liu Z, Zhao L, Wang S, Gao Y, Zhang L. The Association between Occupational Stress and Mental Health among Chinese Soccer Referees in the Early Stage of Reopening Soccer Matches during the COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak: A Moderated Mediation Model. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16750. [PMID: 36554631 PMCID: PMC9778837 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The sudden and unpredictable changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are a serious threat to the occupational stress and mental health of referees worldwide, which has not attracted widespread attention. The mental health of football referees has a certain influence on their job satisfaction or the accuracy of judgments. METHODS This study constructed a moderated mediation model to explore the buffer factors between occupational stress and mental health in Chinese soccer referees in the early stage of reopening soccer matches during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. Data from 317 Chinese soccer referees (aged 19-45) were collected through an online questionnaire in September-October 2022. Occupational stress, mental health, job burnout and perceived social support were measured, and moderated mediation model was analyzed. RESULTS The results of this study showed that occupational stress was negatively correlated with mental health through the mediating effect of job burnout and the moderated effect of perceived social support after controlling for demographic variables. Specifically, the association between occupational stress and mental health was weaker when perceived social support was higher and stronger. CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrate that job burnout and perceived social support played important roles in buffering the negative effects of occupational stress on the mental health of Chinese soccer referees in the early stage of reopening soccer matches during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. The findings provide implications for mental health interventions in soccer referees during the public health crises.
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Gaughan AA, Rush LJ, MacEwan SR, Panchal AR, McAlearney AS. Perspectives of Volunteer Firefighters during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Stumbling Blocks and Silver Linings. CHALLENGES 2022; 13:46. [PMID: 36213181 PMCID: PMC9540602 DOI: 10.3390/challe13020046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected the lives of almost every individual in every nation, with numbers of infections continuing to grow. Across these nations, first responders are essential in their roles addressing emergencies, despite their risk of exposure to COVID-19 in the course of their work. We sought to understand the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lives of volunteer firefighters in the United States, an understudied group of these first responders. Interviews were conducted with volunteer firefighters between September and November 2021. Interviews were analyzed using deductive dominant thematic analysis. Thirty-three firefighters were interviewed who had an average of 22 years of service and a mean age of 52 years. Interviewees described pandemic-related challenges including the fear of COVID exposure and frustrations with work and personal relationships. They also identified unexpected work-related benefits including a deepened commitment to serve and improvements to training and safety. Further, some volunteers noted personal benefits such as developing stronger connections with others, having a new outlook on life, and observing goodwill. Our findings provide insight into the multifaceted and complex impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on volunteer firefighters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice A. Gaughan
- The Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking (CATALYST), College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Laura J. Rush
- The Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking (CATALYST), College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Sarah R. MacEwan
- The Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking (CATALYST), College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Ashish R. Panchal
- The Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking (CATALYST), College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Ann Scheck McAlearney
- The Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking (CATALYST), College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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Wang J, Wang H, Jiang J, Cheng X, Xu K, Xia F, Chang L, Ji Y, Feng Z. The Validity of Virtual Courage for Trainees in High-Risk Occupations. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2022; 15:1783-1796. [PMID: 35860202 PMCID: PMC9292066 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s371653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Employees in high-risk occupations are exposed to tremendous work stress that hinders organizational effectiveness and personal mental health. Based on positive psychology, courage can be considered a protective factor that buffers the adverse effect of high-risk surroundings on employees. However, little is known about the way courage is simulated or evaluated in response to safety concerns. Virtual reality (VR) is an accessible tool for courage simulation due to its immersive qualities, presence and interactive features and may provide a promising pathway to achieve a scientific, accurate and ecologically valid evaluation of high-risk employees. Methods The sample consisted of 51 high-risk employees who were recruited voluntarily. Before and after experiencing the VR courage scenarios, the participants completed the VR features questionnaire, the Physical Courage at Work Scale (PCWS), the Courage Measure (CM), and the Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS). During the process of watching the VR courage scenarios, the participants’ heart rate and skin conductance at resting-state baseline and during virtual courage scenarios were recorded through HTC VIVE Pro Eye and BioGraph Infiniti 8. Results The results support the hypothesis and reveal that the interaction, immersion and presence scores of the scenarios were all significantly higher than the median 4 points. The score for the CM in the posttest was significantly higher than that in the pretest. The scared and afraid scores for the posttest were significantly higher than those for the pretest. The heart rate and skin conductance of each scenario showed an increase compared with the baseline. The Pearson’s correlation between physiological indicators and the score of the PCWS was 0.28~0.54. Conclusion This study developed virtual courage for high-risk occupations based on well-established theory and VR technology. Experimental data revealed that the paradigm conformed to the requirements of VR features and was able to activate fear and evoke the quality of courage. Thus, the virtual courage paradigms have good validity in simulating scenarios for high-risk employees, which might accelerate organizational effectiveness while buffering working stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Wang
- Department of Developmental Psychology of Armyman, School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Huizhong Wang
- School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Jiang
- School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaotong Cheng
- Unit 32298 of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Weifang, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Xu
- Shigatse Branch, Xinqiao Hospital, Army 953 Hospital, Army Medical University, Shigatse, People's Republic of China
| | - Fan Xia
- School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Le Chang
- School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yede Ji
- Army Engineering University, Xuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengzhi Feng
- Department of Developmental Psychology of Armyman, School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
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Lommen MJJ, Boddez Y. Extinction learning as pretrauma vulnerability factor of posttraumatic stress: a replication study. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2022; 13:2051334. [PMID: 35422965 PMCID: PMC9004522 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2022.2051334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Learning tasks have been used to predict why some, and not others, develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after exposure to a traumatic event. There is some evidence from prospective studies in high risk profession samples that reduced extinction learning might represent a marker or even a vulnerability factor for PTSD development. OBJECTIVE Since the evidence is scarce, the aim of this study was to perform a conceptual replication of an earlier prospective study, testing whether pretrauma extinction learning predicts later PTSD symptom severity. METHOD A sample of 529 fire fighters performed a conditioning task at baseline and filled out questionnaires to assess PTSD symptom severity and neuroticism. At six and 12 months follow-up, exposure to stressful events and PTSD symptom severity were measured. RESULTS Results indicate that previous findings were not replicated: although reduced extinction learning was associated with higher PTSD symptom severity at baseline, extinction learning did not predict PTSD symptom severity at follow-up. Only PTSD symptom severity at baseline and stressor severity predicted PTSD symptom severity at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Since earlier findings on the predictive value of pre-trauma extinction learning on PTSD symptom severity were not replicated, extinction learning might not be a general risk factor PTSD for all individuals. More prospective studies including multiple factors seem needed to unravel the complex relationships of these factors influencing PTSD development. HIGHLIGHTS Reduced extinction learning correlated with higher PTSD symptom severity at baseline.Reduced extinction learning did not predict PTSD symptom severity at follow-up.The predictive effect of pre-trauma extinction learning on PTSD was not replicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam J J Lommen
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Yannick Boddez
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Center for the Psychology of Learning and Experimental Psychopathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Jakubowski TD, Sitko-Dominik MM. The impact of the traditional male role norms on the posttraumatic stress disorder among Polish male firefighters. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259025. [PMID: 34705888 PMCID: PMC8550442 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to explore potential associations between compliance with the traditional male role norms and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Methods The study was conducted on 135 male Polish firefighters. The study used the Impact Event Scale-Revised, the Relations/Social Support Scale and the Male Role Norms Scale. Results The study revealed that the firefighters that suffered from probable PTSD (over 34% of all the respondents) seemed to comply with the male role norms more strictly than those without PTSD. The reverse was found to be true for the perceived social support. Social status norms and toughness norms understood as expectations that men should achieve high status by means of successful career, etc., and be tough and resilient at all costs to be perceived as “manly” were found to be positively associated with the development of PTSD, while in the case of perceived social support, a negative association was confirmed. The results might yield important clinical implications—traditional male role norms pertaining to toughness and social status might be associated with the increase in chances of developing PTSD after the exposure to potentially traumatic events. Conclusions Firefighting as a stereotypically masculine occupation may be associated with the reinforcement of stereotypically masculine behaviors, which in turn is associated with a decreased ability to cope with potentially traumatic stimuli and favoring maladaptive behaviors. The results might suggest that addressing the beliefs about masculinity during psychological intervention in the case of PTSD might be beneficial especially among such masculinized groups as firefighters. The main limitations of the study are: participation of those more eager to participate and reveal personal information; the recall and report bias; the relatively small sample size; sociodemographic data omissions; the study group almost exclusively consisting of firefighters from large urban centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Daniel Jakubowski
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Psychology, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
- * E-mail:
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