J Korean Acad Fundam Nurs.  2025 Feb;32(1):70-81. 10.7739/jkafn.2025.32.1.70.

Factors Affecting Fire Officers' Posttraumatic Growth

• KMID: 2565327
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7739/jkafn.2025.32.1.70

Abstract

Purpose
This descriptive study was conducted to determine whether traumatic event experiences, posttraumatic stress, resilience, intentional rumination, and social support affect posttraumatic growth in fire officers.
Methods
Data were collected from a convenience sample of 204 fire officers working in field dispatch fields, such as fire suppression, rescue, and first aid, for more than 6 months. A structured self-report questionnaire was distributed, and responses from 189 people were analyzed. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance, the Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis using the SPSS 27.0 program.
Results
Fire officers' posttraumatic growth was affected significantly by deliberate rumination (β=.59, p<.001), resilience (β=.15, p=.025), and experience of counseling (β=-.12, p=.022). These factors explained 52.0% of the variance in posttraumatic growth, and the model fit was also significant (F=23.35, p<.001).
Conclusion
Developing a program to facilitate posttraumatic growth among fire officers is essential. Such a program should incorporate strategies that encourage deliberate rumination and strengthen resilience. Furthermore, the involvement of a psychological counseling expert is critical for ensuring comprehensive support for participants.