Emotional Sensitivity and Work Performance in Lima Firefighters

The study aimed to analyze the relationship between emotional sensitivity and work performance in firefighters from Metropolitan Lima, considering potential differences by sex.

A cross-sectional, predictive, and non-experimental design was applied with a sample of 366 firefighters. Participants completed the Emotional Sensitivity Scale and the Individual Work Performance Scale. Data analysis included Spearman's correlation and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM).

Results revealed a weak but statistically significant negative correlation between emotional sensitivity and work performance (ρ = -0.19; p = 0.001), with Positive Emotional Sensitivity showing the strongest association (ρ = -0.22; p < 0.001). Among males, Positive Emotional Sensitivity negatively predicted Work Performance in the Context (β = -0.235; f² = 0.050), while Negative Egocentric Sensitivity also showed a negative effect (β = -0.190; f² = 0.030). For females, Negative Egocentric Sensitivity exerted a stronger negative influence on Work Performance in the Context (β = -0.392; f² = 0.133). No significant associations were found between emotional sensitivity and counterproductive behaviors (p > 0.05).

The findings indicate that emotional sensitivity, particularly its positive and negative egocentric forms, may adversely affect work performance in firefighters. These results underscore the importance of developing differentiated emotional regulation and stress management interventions tailored by sex to support occupational performance in high-demand professions.