Date of Conferral
2023
Degree
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
School
Psychology
Advisor
Leslie Barnes-Young
Abstract
Decades of research show that firefighters’ trauma-filled tasks and work environments are associated with decreases in the quality of their everyday lives. Firefighters experience trauma on a regular basis which is leading to mental health issues contributing to work and non-work-related issues. Since stigma is present toward mental health counseling, firefighters are not always seeking the help they need. Through qualitative research, the purpose of the study was to explore thoughts and views of experienced, male firefighters to establish ways of improving their life quality. Semi structured interviews were used to gather data from nine participants regarding their views on stigma related to seeking mental health therapy. To generate trustworthy results, thematic analysis was used to identify codes and search for themes. Results revealed a unanimous thought process that counseling is needed for firefighters who are struggling, to increase their mental wellness and decrease the rising numbers of suicides. The most controversial topic was having counseling as a mandatory part of the job. This study showed that younger generations are experiencing an openness to receiving help with their mental health, although they recognized stigma still exists. It is possible to use these findings, along with further research, to create wellness programs that are effective and continue decreasing the stigma of counseling to result in firefighters having an overall better quality of life.
Recommended Citation
Ridgway, Jessica H., "Firefighters’ Views Associated with Mental Health Counseling" (2023). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 14900.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/14900
