Paper Presentations
Title
Burnout, Vicarious Trauma, and Compassion Fatigue Among Wildfire Firefighters: A Mixed Methods Approach
ORCiD ID
0000000295580719
Session Type
Paper Presentation
Abstract
Wildfire response is an understudied area in emergency response research. This mixed methods study utilized both survey research using the Maslach Burnout Inventory, Vicarious Trauma Scale, and Compassion Fatigue Self-Test; and photovoice to measure and understand the experiences of burnout, vicarious response, and compassion fatigue. Survey results indicated that firefighters (n = 186) experienced emotional exhaustion, moderate depersonalization, low reduced personal accomplishment, extremely high compassion fatigue, and moderate vicarious trauma. Photovoice interviews (n = 7) identified themes of mentoring and support, exercise, sleep, shift work, and traumatic incidents. Recommendations are made for stronger departmental support, better shifts, and eliminating mental health stigma. (42 minutes)
Supported by a Walden University Faculty Research Initiative Grant.
Recommended Citation
Stout, R., & Kostamo, S. (2020, October 1-2). Burnout, vicarious trauma, and compassion fatigue among wildfire firefighters: A mixed methods approach [Paper presentation]. Walden University Research Conference 2020 (online). https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/researchconference/2020/papers/6/
Burnout, Vicarious Trauma, and Compassion Fatigue Among Wildfire Firefighters: A Mixed Methods Approach
Wildfire response is an understudied area in emergency response research. This mixed methods study utilized both survey research using the Maslach Burnout Inventory, Vicarious Trauma Scale, and Compassion Fatigue Self-Test; and photovoice to measure and understand the experiences of burnout, vicarious response, and compassion fatigue. Survey results indicated that firefighters (n = 186) experienced emotional exhaustion, moderate depersonalization, low reduced personal accomplishment, extremely high compassion fatigue, and moderate vicarious trauma. Photovoice interviews (n = 7) identified themes of mentoring and support, exercise, sleep, shift work, and traumatic incidents. Recommendations are made for stronger departmental support, better shifts, and eliminating mental health stigma. (42 minutes)
Supported by a Walden University Faculty Research Initiative Grant.
Recommended Citation
Stout, R., & Kostamo, S. (2020, October 1-2). Burnout, vicarious trauma, and compassion fatigue among wildfire firefighters: A mixed methods approach [Paper presentation]. Walden University Research Conference 2020 (online). https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/researchconference/2020/papers/6/
