Predictive of Critical Stress and Seeking Help on Perceived Suicidal Thoughts and Attempts among Emergency Medical Service Professionals: A Content Analysis
Date of Conferral
11-1-2023
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Public Policy and Administration
Advisor
Glenn Starks
Abstract
Critical stress and seeking help among emergency medical service (EMS) professionals lead to suicidal thoughts and attempts. EMS professionals not seeking nor accepting help also adds to problems caused by critical stress. The problem is that 37% of 4,021 EMS professionals surveyed had suicidal thoughts, and 6.6% attempted suicide. Additionally, 2,300 of the 4,021 EMS professionals did not seek help for their critical stress, and nearly one-half felt no need to seek help. This study aimed to investigate the predictors of critical stress and to seek help on perceived suicidal thoughts and attempts among EMS professionals. The interpersonal theory of suicide and the person-environment fit theory were utilized. This study used a content analysis of 19 relevant studies with surveys, case studies, and interviews from the 50 United States, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and Guam. Data analysis included the review of descriptive findings and inferential statistical output — a review of the literature and databases on suicidal thoughts and attempts among EMS professionals. The study results indicated that critical stress and seeking help have measurable effects on suicidal thoughts and attempts among EMS providers. This study’s results might assist policymakers in positive social change by ensuring EMS organizations improve the health and well-being of their employees and increase public awareness.
Recommended Citation
Mosley, Sequin H., "Predictive of Critical Stress and Seeking Help on Perceived Suicidal Thoughts and Attempts among Emergency Medical Service Professionals: A Content Analysis" (2023). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 15039.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/15039
