Traumatic Stress Among Firefighters: Risk and Protective Factors with Implications for PTSD

Previous studies indicate that the main predictors of stress-related disorders in firefighters are pre- and post-trauma factors, rather than intensity or type of traumatic event. This study aimed to identify risk and protective factors contributing to the development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other stress-related conditions in Portuguese firefighters who battled the 2017 forest fires. To assess the prevalence of PTSD and related conditions, a set of self-report measures—including PHQ-15 (somatic symptoms), PCL-5 (PTSD), PSQI (sleep quality), and DASS-21 (depression, anxiety, stress)—was completed by 96 firefighters and 96 individuals from the general population, who served as a comparison group. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 79 firefighters, focusing on their perceptions of PTSD, exposure to duty-related traumatic events, and coping strategies employed to manage stress. Findings indicated that firefighters reported higher levels of somatic symptoms, sleep disturbance, and PTSD than the general population. Organizational support, working conditions, professional experience and training were identified as protective factors, while a sense of belongingness and peer relationship were considered resources for managing stress reactions. Firefighters also associated social and media pressures with the development or exacerbation of stress-related symptoms. Collectively, these results highlight the relevance of both subjective and contextual factors and may inform prevention, intervention, and treatment strategies for stress-related psychopathologies.