The Role of Life Meaning in Psychological Distress and Post-traumatic Growth Among Italian First-Aid Volunteers During the COVID-19 Outbreak.
Trends in Psychology · 2022-04-14 · Observational study
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been a sudden and disruptive event that has produced lots of deaths, overload of the healthcare system, interruption of social habits, and change in life prospective. The study aimed to explore the relationships between meaning of life, psychological distress, and post-traumatic growth in volunteers from the first-aid associations operating in Italy belonging to the areas most affected by the pandemic (Bergamo, Brescia, and Parma). Our hypothesis anticipated that the meaning of life can mediate the relationship between psychological distress and post-traumatic growth. We, also, expected that this effect could vary with the role played in the rescue team, the increased shifts' amount, and the monetary incentive. Using a cross-sectional design, a convenience sample of 268 consenting participants completed Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), and Personal Meaningful Profile-Brief (PMP-B). Findings yielded a positive relationship between psychological distress and post-traumatic growth (r = .284). Regarding the meaning of life, Spearman's correlation revealed that the two dimensions of "Self-Transcendence" and "Religion" are moderately involved in the post-traumatic change (specifically, "New Possibilities" ρ = .237, "Personal Strength" ρ = .252, and "Spiritual Change" ρ = .373). Logistic regression failed to show any effect concerning role, shifts' amount, and distress level. Finally, the monetary incentive appeared to not influence the altruism's propension. Even though our findings should be interpreted with caution, this study provides evidence for the relevance of meaning of life to understanding of resilience and promoting the well-being of workforce following traumatic experiences.
Abstract © the authors or publisher, via PubMed. Reuse and removal
Tags
Fire service & police · Clinician perspective · COVID-19 pandemic
Related articles
- Perspectives of Volunteer Firefighters during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Stumbling Blocks and Silver Linings. (Challenges (Basel), 2022)
- First Responders During COVID-19: Career Calling, PTSD, and Work Self-Efficacy. (Am J Prev Med, 2024)
- Exploring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of first responders. (Cogn Behav Ther, 2021)
- Possible substance use disorders among first responders during the COVID-19 era: a quasi-experimental study of personal and residential vulnerability. (Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse, 2022)
- Understanding problematic substance use among first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic: A survey of law enforcement, fire, and EMS workers in the United States. (Int J Drug Policy, 2024)
- Ashes2Art: Mitigation Strategies for Short-and Long-term Distress in Emergency Services Personnel During COVID-19. (Clin Soc Work J, 2021)