Stress, life satisfaction and perceived health. A study on the effects of stress experience among members of professional fire brigades on fire-station duty

摘要

Objective. The study examines the impact of stress experiences among members of the professional fire brigade. It was assumed that members who feel burdened show a lower life satisfaction, evaluate their health condition worse, and experience themselves as less confident and active. Method. In a cross-sectional study, 102 members of the fire department Berlin-Sud were evaluated using the so-called Copenhagen Psychological Questionnaire (COPSOQ),a standardized questionnaire for detecting occupational stress.Results. It became apparent that stress burdens are primarily less due to firefighting operations but rather relate to everyday activi-ties at the station. Members with high stress levels show a significantly lower life satisfaction and experience themselves as less active and confident. Members with little behavioral and cognitive stress symptoms described themselves as more confident. In the same manner, cognitive stress symptoms correlate with perceived activity. Surprisingly, firefighters with a high stress level describe their health condition in more positive terms than those who are not stressed.