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Related Experiment Video

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Social Threat-Safety Test Uncovers Psychosocial Stress-Related Phenotypes

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Published on: December 15, 2023

Engagement and Vicarious Traumatization in rescue workers.

Piergiorgio Argentero¹, Ilaria Setti

¹Department of Psychology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy. piergiorgio.argentero@unipv.it

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

|November 17, 2010

Summary

Organizational factors, especially job support, significantly influence rescue workers

Area of Science:

Psychology
Occupational Health
Trauma Studies

Background:

Rescue workers face unique occupational stressors due. to constant exposure to trauma.
Understanding the psychological impact on these individuals is crucial for support.
Vicarious Traumatization (VT) and Engagement are key constructs in assessing well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

To determine the incidence of Vicarious Traumatization symptoms in rescue workers.
To identify predictors of Engagement and Vicarious Traumatization.
To pinpoint factors improving well-being in helping professions.

Main Methods:

Surveyed 782 rescue workers involved in critical operations.
Utilized Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Scale (MBI-GS).

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Administered the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS).

Main Results:

Intrusive symptoms were the most common post-traumatic stress reported.
Organizational variables, particularly job support, significantly predicted Engagement and VT.
A supportive work environment reduced burnout probability and fostered Engagement.

Conclusions:

Engagement and Vicarious Traumatization are predominantly influenced by organizational factors.
Job support is a critical element in mitigating negative psychological impacts.
Prioritizing supportive organizational structures is essential for the well-being of rescue workers.