Date of Conferral

5-9-2024

Date of Award

May 2024

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Management

Advisor

Labrina Jones

Abstract

In 2021, researchers reported that nearly half of emergency responder personnel who are continuously exposed to traumatic incidents will test positive for one or more forms of mental illness. The purpose of this descriptive qualitative phenomenological study was to describe and identify the lived experiences of emergency call-takers and dispatchers by identifying how their leader’s mental health skills influence their well-being in the emergency management industry. This study was framed by Bertalanffy’s general systems theory and Husserl’s origins of consciousness concept. Using a qualitative research design, data were collected and triangulated from 10 semistructured interviews, reflective and descriptive fields notes, and audit trails. Thematic data analysis revealed 18 themes which emerged from four conceptual codes: (a) emergency calls that trigger an emotional response, (b) job tenure affects mood and performance levels, (c) organizational attempts to assist with employee well-being, and (d) stigma associated with asking for mental health assistance. Mandatory mental health training for organizational leaders may reduce stigmatizing attitudes concerning employee mental health and in turn boost the confidence and skillset of leaders. Thus, leaders will have the appropriate training to direct employees towards the underutilized mental health resources needed to cope with emergency management industry obligations. This study may drive positive social change by increasing awareness of the mental health concerns that plague emergency communications centers, decrease the stigma attached to requesting mental health treatment, and ultimately decrease the long-term mental health illnesses for emergency call-taker and dispatcher personnel.

Download

Share

 
COinS