Workplace violence and psychopathology in paramedics and firefighters: Mediated by posttraumatic cognitions

Abstract

Paramedics and firefighters have an elevated risk for developing psychopathology, yet much is unknown about why this occurs. One contributor may involve exposure to high levels of workplace violence associated with unpredictable and dangerous work environments. Further, appraising such events in a negative, maladaptive fashion may exacerbate the psychological impacts of workplace violence. Accordingly, the purposes of the current study were to examine the relationship of workplace violence to psychopathology in first responders and investigate how posttraumatic cognitions may mediate this relationship. A convenience sample of firefighters (n = 117) and paramedics (n = 129) from a large urban department in Canada completed an online survey measuring symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, workplace violence, and posttraumatic cognitions. We found high levels of workplace violence and a pervasive association between violence and psychopathology in paramedics and firefighters, which was mediated by posttraumatic cognitions. We discuss the implications of the current findings for understanding, protecting, and supporting first responders. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)