Abstract
First responders frequently encounter potentially traumatic and stressful emergency events and work in an increasingly demanding profession. Given the nature of their profession, a proactive and preventative approach to addressing the mental health and well-being of first responders has garnered significant interest and support. Strategies for mitigating mental and physical health risks and supporting the well-being of first responders include the development of programs focused on building resilience, mindfulness, and wellness. This chapter provides an overview of the resilience, mindfulness, and wellness literature among first responders, generally, and among each emergency service profession, specifically. Relevant programs that aim to examine, maintain, and/or improve resilience, mindfulness, and/or wellness in first responders are presented. Approaches and issues associated with implementation of these programs as well as limitations and suggestions for future directions are discussed.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Anshel, M. H., Umscheid, D., & Brinthaupt, T. M. (2012). Effect of a combined co** skills and wellness program on perceived stress and physical energy among police emergency dispatchers: An exploratory study. Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, 28(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11896-012-9110-x
Baer, R. A., Smith, G. T., Hopkins, J., Krietemeyer, J., & Toney, L. (2006). Using self-report assessment methods to explore facets of mindfulness. Assessment, 13(1), 27–45. https://doi.org/10.1177/1073191105283504
Billings, J., & Focht, W. (2016). Firefighter shift schedules affect sleep quality. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 58(3), 294–298. https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000000624
Bravo, A. J., Pearson, M. R., & Kelley, M. L. (2018). Mindfulness and psychological health outcomes: A latent profile analysis among military personnel and college students. Mindfulness (New York), 9(1), 258–270. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-017-0771-5
Carleton, R. N., Afifi, T. O., Taillieu, T., Turner, S., El-Gabalawy, R., Sareen, J., & Asmundson, G. J. G. (2018). Anxiety-related psychopathology and chronic pain comorbidity among public safety personnel. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 55, 48–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.janxdis.2018.03.006
Christopher, M. S., Goerling, R. J., Rogers, B. S., Hunsinger, M., Baron, G., Bergman, A. L., & Zava, D. T. (2016). A pilot study evaluating the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based intervention on cortisol awakening response and health outcomes among law enforcement officers. Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, 31(1), 15–28. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11896-015-9161-x
Congress, H. R. (2018). Law enforcement mental health and wellness act of 2017, H.R. 2228, 115th Congress (2018). Retrieved from https://www.congress.gov/115/plaws/publ113/PLAW-115publ113.pdf
Counson, I., Hosemans, D., Lal, T. J., Mott, B., Harvey, S. B., & Joyce, S. (2019). Mental health and mindfulness amongst Australian fire fighters. BMC Psychology, 7(1), 34. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-019-0311-2
Crane, M. F., Falon, S. L., Kho, M., Moss, A., & Adler, A. B. (2021). Develo** resilience in first responders: Strategies for enhancing psychoeducational service delivery. Psychological Services. https://doi.org/10.1037/ser0000439
Denkova, E., Zanesco, A. P., Rogers, S. L., & Jha, A. P. (2020). Is resilience trainable? An initial study comparing mindfulness and relaxation training in firefighters. Psychiatry Research, 285, 112794. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2020.112794
DOJ. (2021). Justice department announces funding to promote law enforcement mental health and wellness. Department of Justice, Office of Public Affairs. https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-funding-promote-law-enforcement-mental-health-and-wellness.
Eddy, A., Bergman, A. L., Kaplan, J. B., Goerling, R. J., & Christopher, M. S. (2021). A qualitative investigation of the experience of mindfulness training among police officers. Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, 36(1), 63–71. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11896-019-09340-7
Fahey, R., Evarts, B., & Stein, G. P. (2021). US fire department profile 2019. N. F. P. Association. https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/files/News-and-Research/Fire-statistics-and-reports/Emergency-responders/osfdprofile.pdf
Floyd, R., Rackelmann, S., McQuaide, S., Hartogensis, W., & Mehling, W. (2022). Yoga for firefighters: Evaluation of a quality improvement program in California fire departments. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2022.05.019
Grupe, D. W., McGehee, C., Smith, C., Francis, A. D., Mumford, J. A., & Davidson, R. J. (2021). Mindfulness training reduces PTSD symptoms and improves stress-related health outcomes in police officers. Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, 36(1), 72–85. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11896-019-09351-4
Hartley, T. A., Burchfiel, C. M., Fekedulegn, D., Andrew, M. E., & Violanti, J. M. (2011). Health disparities in police officers: Comparisons to the U.S. general population. International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, 13(4), 211–220.
Huang, Q., Zhang, Q., An, Y., & Xu, W. (2019). The relationship between dispositional mindfulness and PTSD/PTG among firefighters: The mediating role of emotion regulation. Personality and Individual Differences, 151. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2019.07.002
IAFF. (2018). The fire service joint labor management wellness-fitness initiative. https://www.iafc.org/topics-and-tools/safety-health/wellness-fitness-task-force/wellness-fitness-program-summary
Jahnke, S. A., Poston, W. S., Haddock, C. K., & Murphy, B. (2016). Firefighting and mental health: Experiences of repeated exposure to trauma. Work, 53(4), 737–744. https://doi.org/10.3233/wor-162255
Johnson, C. C., Vega, L., Kohalmi, A. L., Roth, J. C., Howell, B. R., & Van Hasselt, V. B. (2020). Enhancing mental health treatment for the firefighter population: Understanding fire culture, treatment barriers, practice implications, and research directions. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 51(3), 304–311. https://doi.org/10.1037/pro0000266
Jones, S. (2017). Describing the mental health profile of first responders: A systematic review. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 23(3), 200–214. https://doi.org/10.1177/1078390317695266
Jones, S., Nagel, C., McSweeney, J., & Curran, G. (2018). Prevalence and correlates of psychiatric symptoms among first responders in a Southern State. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 32(6), 828–835. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apnu.2018.06.007
Joyce, S., Shand, F., Tighe, J., Laurent, S. J., Bryant, R. A., & Harvey, S. B. (2018). Road to resilience: A systematic review and meta-analysis of resilience training programmes and interventions. BMJ Open, 8(6), e017858. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017858
Joyce, S., Shand, F., Lal, T. J., Mott, B., Bryant, R. A., & Harvey, S. B. (2019). Resilience@work mindfulness program: Results from a cluster randomized controlled trial with first responders. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 21(2), e12894. https://doi.org/10.2196/12894
Kahn, J. R., Collinge, W., & Soltysik, R. (2016). Post-9/11 veterans and their partners improve mental health outcomes with a self-directed mobile and web-based wellness training program: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 18(9), e255. https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.5800
Kaplan, J. B., Bergman, A. L., Christopher, M., Bowen, S., & Hunsinger, M. (2017). Role of resilience in mindfulness training for first responders. Mindfulness (N Y), 8(5), 1373–1380. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-017-0713-2
Kaplan, J. B., Christopher, M., & Bowen, S. (2018). Dispositional mindfulness moderates the relationship between occupational stressors and perceived stress among law enforcement personnel. Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, 33(3), 227–232. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11896-017-9246-9
Kaplan, J. B., Bergman, A. L., Green, K., Dapolonia, E., & Christopher, M. (2020). Relative impact of mindfulness, self-compassion, and psychological flexibility on alcohol use and burnout among law enforcement officers. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 26(12), 1190–1194. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2020.0178
Kerr, D. C., Ornelas, I. J., Lilly, M. M., Calhoun, R., & Meischke, H. (2019). Participant engagement in and perspectives on a web-based mindfulness intervention for 9-1-1 telecommunicators: Multimethod study. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 21(6), e13449. https://doi.org/10.2196/13449
Kuehl, H., Mabry, L., Elliot, D. L., Kuehl, K. S., & Favorite, K. C. (2013). Factors in adoption of a fire department wellness program: Champ-and-chief model. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 55(4), 424–429. https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0b013e31827dba3f
Lapum, D. (2020). The maintenance of police officer health through a mandatory wellness program. https://www.nationalpublicsafetypartnership.org/Clearinghouse/Resource/378/The-Maintenance-of-Police-Officer-Health-Through-A-Mandatory-Wellness-Program
Lebeaut, A., Zegel, M., Leonard, S. J., Bartlett, B. A., & Vujanovic, A. A. (2021). Examining transdiagnostic factors among firefighters in relation to trauma exposure, probable PTSD, and probable Alcohol Use Disorder. Journal of Dual Diagnosis, 17(1), 52–63. https://doi.org/10.1080/15504263.2020.1854411
Luthar, S. S., & Cicchetti, D. (2000). The construct of resilience: A critical evaluation and guidelines for future work. Child Development, 71(3), 543. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8624.00164
Mahaffey, B. L., Mackin, D. M., Rosen, J., Schwartz, R. M., Taioli, E., & Gonzalez, A. (2021). The disaster worker resiliency training program: A randomized clinical trial. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 94(1), 9–21. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-020-01552-3
Matto, H. C., & Sullivan, K. (2021). Ashes2Art: Mitigation strategies for short-and long-term distress in emergency services personnel during COVID-19. Clinical Social Work Journal, 49(4), 437–444. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-021-00797-w
Mitmansgruber, H., Beck, T. N., & Schüßler, G. (2008). “Mindful helpers”: Experiential avoidance, meta-emotions, and emotion regulation in paramedics. Journal of Research in Personality, 42(5), 1358–1363. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrp.2008.03.012
Moore-Merrell, L., Kerber, S., Horn, G. P., & Smith, D. L. (2021). Effects of crew size on firefighter health and safety. International Fire Service Journal of Leadership and Management, 15, 7–25.
Nazari, G., Osifeso, T. A., & MacDermid, J. C. (2020). Distribution of number, location of pain and comorbidities, and determinants of work limitations among firefighters. Rehabilitation Research and Practice, 2020, 1942513. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/1942513
National Institute of Justice. (2019). Special Report: Women in Policing: Breaking Barriers and Blazing a Path. U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs. https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/252963.pdf.
National Fire Protection Association (2022). NFPA 1582 standard on comprehensive occupational medical program for fire departments. In Codes & Standards. National Fire Protection Association.
O’Toole, K., & Brown, C. A. (2021). Evaluating the quality of resilience apps for military members and public safety personnel. Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health, 7(1), 87–101. https://doi.org/10.3138/jmvfh-2020-0002
Paoline, E. A. (2003). Taking stock: Toward a richer understanding of police culture. Journal of Criminal Justice, 31(3), 199–214. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0047-2352(03)00002-3
Papazoglou, K., & Andersen, J. P. (2014). A guide to utilizing police training as a tool to promote resilience and improve health outcomes among police officers. Traumatology: An International Journal, 20(2), 103–111. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0099394
Peterson, S. A., Wolkow, A. P., Lockley, S. W., O’Brien, C. S., Qadri, S., Sullivan, J. P., Czeisler, C. A., Rajaratnam, S. M. W., & Barger, L. K. (2019). Associations between shift work characteristics, shift work schedules, sleep and burnout in North American police officers: A cross-sectional study. BMJ Open, 9(11), e030302. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2019-030302
Rachele, J. N., Heesch, K. C., & Washington, T. L. (2014). Wellness programs at firefighter and police workplaces: A systematic review. Health Behavior and Policy Review, 1(4), 302–312. https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.1.4.5
Reffi, A. N., Pinciotti, C. M., Darnell, B. C., & Orcutt, H. K. (2019). Trait mindfulness and PTSD symptom clusters: Considering the influence of emotion dysregulation. Personality and Individual Differences, 137, 62–70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2018.08.010
Reichard, A. A., & Jackson, L. L. (2010). Occupational injuries among emergency responders. American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 53(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.20772
Scheuch, I., Peters, N., Lohner, M. S., Muss, C., Aprea, C., & Furstenau, B. (2021). Resilience training programs in organizational contexts: A sco** review. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 733036. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.733036
Setti, I., & Argentero, P. (2014). The role of mindfulness in protecting firefighters from psychosomatic malaise. Traumatology: An International Journal, 20(2), 134–141. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0099398
Skeffington, P. M., Rees, C. S., Mazzucchelli, T. G., & Kane, R. T. (2016). The primary prevention of PTSD in firefighters: Preliminary results of an RCT with 12-month follow-up. PLoS One, 11(7), e0155873. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0155873
Smith, B. W., Ortiz, J. A., Steffen, L. E., Tooley, E. M., Wiggins, K. T., Yeater, E. A., Montoya, J. D., & Bernard, M. L. (2011). Mindfulness is associated with fewer PTSD symptoms, depressive symptoms, physical symptoms, and alcohol problems in urban firefighters. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 79(5), 613–617. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0025189
Stanley, I. H., Hom, M. A., Hagan, C. R., & Joiner, T. E. (2015). Career prevalence and correlates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among firefighters. Journal of Affective Disorders, 187, 163–171. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2015.08.007
Stanley, I. H., Hom, M. A., & Joiner, T. E. (2016). A systematic review of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics. Clinical Psychology Review, 44, 25–44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2015.12.002
Stanley, I. H., Boffa, J. W., Tran, J. K., Schmidt, N. B., Joiner, T. E., & Vujanovic, A. A. (2019). Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and mindfulness facets in relation to suicide risk among firefighters. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 75(4), 696–709. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.22748
Syed, S., Ashwick, R., Schlosser, M., Jones, R. E., Rowe, S., & Billings, J. (2020). Global prevalence and risk factors for mental health problems in police personnel: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 77(11), 737–747. https://doi.org/10.1136/oemed-2020-106498
Taylor, M. A. (2022). Building resilience in law enforcement through a mental wellness program. Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, 37(1), 155–161. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11896-021-09479-2
Thoen, M. A., Dodson, L. E., Manzo, G., Pina-Watson, B., & Trejos-Castillo, E. (2020). Agency-offered and officer-utilized suicide prevention and wellness programs: A national study. Psychological Services, 17(2), 129–140. https://doi.org/10.1037/ser0000355
Van Scotter, J. R., & Leonard, K. M. (2022). Clashes of cultures during crises: Coordinating firefighter, police and paramedic interactions. Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal. https://doi.org/10.1108/dpm-09-2021-0273
Vujanovic, A. A., & Tran, J. K. (2021). Providing psychological services to firefighters. Journal of Health Service Psychology, 47(3), 137–148. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42843-021-00041-6
Vujanovic, A. A., Lebeaut, A., Zegel, M., & Buser, S. J. (2022). Mindful attention training workshop for firefighters: Design and methodology of a pilot randomized clinical trial. Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 27. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conctc.2022.100905
Wild, J., El-Salahi, S., Degli Esposti, M., & Thew, G. R. (2020). Evaluating the effectiveness of a group-based resilience intervention versus psychoeducation for emergency responders in England: A randomised controlled trial. PLoS One, 15(11), e0241704. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0241704
Williams, V., Ciarrochi, J., & Patrick Deane, F. (2010). On being mindful, emotionally aware, and more resilient: Longitudinal pilot study of police recruits. Australian Psychologist, 45(4), 274–282. https://doi.org/10.1080/00050060903573197
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2023 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Lebeaut, A., Zegel, M., Fletcher, E.A., Vujanovic, A.A. (2023). Wellness, Resilience, and Mindfulness. In: Bourke, M.L., Van Hasselt, V.B., Buser, S.J. (eds) First Responder Mental Health. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-38149-2_9
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-38149-2_9
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-031-38148-5
Online ISBN: 978-3-031-38149-2
eBook Packages: Behavioral Science and PsychologyBehavioral Science and Psychology (R0)