The functioning of rescue workers in life tasks: development of a test
International Journal of Emergency Services · 2019-08-29 · Method & validation
Abstract
Purpose Since policemen have a highly demanding job, they have a high risk of developing mental health problems, which may have a negative influence on their private life. The purpose of this paper is to present a new questionnaire for measuring the functioning of rescue workers in life tasks outside of work. Design/methodology/approach The internal consistency, factor structure and concurrent validity of this life tasks test (LTT) were examined in a group of 108 policemen. Findings The test measures perceived effectiveness in the following five domains: social life, maintaining mental health, household and finance, giving meaning and maintaining positivity. Cronbach’s α was acceptable for two scales (>0.60) and good for the other three (>0.70). The hypothesized five-factor structure of the LTT was corroborated in a confirmatory factor analysis. Concurrent validity was examined by correlating the scores on the LTT with two established questionnaires, one for personality characteristics and one for work characteristics and work stress. All LTT scales, with the exception of social life, showed significant correlations with social support, workload and personality. Research limitations/implications This provides support for the concurrent validity of the questionnaire. Practical uses and future research are discussed. Practical implications The items are close to everyday clinical practice. It adds valuable information to the commonly used questionnaires on mental health complaints. The test may also provide insight on which life tasks domains are functioning well and which are in need of attention to improve the effectiveness. Social implications In both preventive and curative mental health support, it is important to enhance the effectiveness in life tasks, because it works as a buffer for the adversity of rescue work. Moreover, it gives rescue workers mastery of their personal life, makes self-management stronger, as well as it gives feelings of confidence and positive energy. Originality/value This is the first questionnaire to be designed and implemented for rescue workers.
Abstract © the authors or publisher, via OpenAlex. Reuse and removal
Tags
Clinician perspective · Fire service & police
Related articles
- Psychometric evaluation of the Turkish version of the Work-Related Stress Scale: A study among search and rescue workers responding to the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. (J Health Psychol, 2025)
- Protective factors of psychological vulnerability in Rescue 1122 workers with vicarious traumatization. (J Emerg Manag, 2024)
- Differences in PTSD prevalence and associated risk factors among World Trade Center disaster rescue and recovery workers. (Am J Psychiatry, 2007)
- Emotion Regulation in Rescue Workers: Differential Relationship With Perceived Work-Related Stress and Stress-Related Symptoms. (Front Psychol, 2018)
- 3MDR Therapy Reduces Symptoms of PTSD and Related Conditions in Canadian Military Members and Veterans, Public Safety Personnel, and Clinical Personnel. (Brain Behav, 2026)
- Acute stress symptoms, dissociation, and depression among rescue personnel 24 hours after the Bet-Yehoshua train crash in Israel:the effect of gender. (Prehosp Disaster Med, 2009)