Date of Conferral

5-2-2025

Date of Award

May 2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Human Services

Advisor

Tina Jaeckle

Abstract

The mental health of firefighters is a pressing concern, especially given the increasing suicide rates within this demographic. This quantitative nonexperimental study examined the impact of mental health literacy on the intention of firefighters to seek help for personal or emotional issues, employing the Mental Health Literacy Scale and the General Help-Seeking Questionnaire. Key variables, including years of service, rank, and age, were analyzed for their influence on this relationship. Grounded in the conservation of resources theory, the study aimed to answer two primary research questions: the predictive relationship between mental health literacy and help-seeking behavior, and the role of demographic factors as control variables. It was hypothesized that a positive relationship exists between mental health literacy and the intention to seek treatment, with anticipated variations based on years of service, rank, and age. Data were collected from 219 career firefighters and analysis confirmed a statistically significant yet weak correlation between mental health literacy and treatment-seeking behavior. Specifically, logistic regression indicated that age and years of service had small but significant predictive value for help-seeking behaviors, while rank showed no substantial effect. The study identified limitations that underscore the need for future research to incorporate a broader range of demographic factors and culturally sensitive assessment tools, thereby facilitating a comprehensive understanding of the barriers to help-seeking within the firefighting community. Insights gained can inform targeted interventions and support mechanisms that promote a healthier approach to mental health among firefighters. Optimal mental health for these public safety professionals enhances their effectiveness and efficiency thereby driving positive social change.

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