Network of Mindfulness and Difficulties in Regulating Emotions in Firefighters

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Growing evidence supports the role of mindfulness in regulating emotions in the general population. However, the interactive network of mindfulness facets and difficulties in regulating emotions is not well understood, which is specifically important for individuals involved in high-risk professions, such as first responders. The aim of this study was to investigate the interactive relations between mindfulness facets (acting with awareness, non-judging, describing, observing, and non-reacting), ability to regulate emotions and alcohol use in a sample of firefighters, including military veterans. Method A sample of 685 career firefighters, of whom 154 (22.5%) are military veterans, completed measures of mindfulness and difficulties in regulating emotions. The dataset was subjected to network analysis. Results The mindfulness facet non-judging was negatively related to emotion-regulation challenges, such as nonaccepting attitudes and lack of clarity, and positively related to deficits in goal-directed behaviour. Acting with awareness was negatively related to goal-directed behaviour deficits and impulsivity. Alcohol use was positively linked to impulsivity and negatively linked to describing. Overall, emotion-regulation difficulties were positively linked together, and positive links were found between most mindfulness facets. Directed network analysis found non-judging and emotion-regulation strategy as primary predictors. Non-judging acted as a protective factor, supporting other mindfulness facets, while emotion-regulation strategy exacerbated emotion-regulation challenges acted as a risk factor. Conclusions This network analysis demonstrated that acting with awareness and a non-judgmental attitude, facets of mindfulness, are linked to better emotion-regulation and may play protective role against impulsivity and alcohol use.