The Mediating Effect of Acceptance in the Relationship Between Resilience and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in Firefighters

Abstract

This study aimed to improve the psychological flexibility of firefighters and use it in mental health data by verifying the mediating effect of acceptance on the relationship between firefighter resilience and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. A survey was conducted on PTSD, resilience, and acceptance among 212 firefighters from the National Fire Agency in 17 major cities and towns nationwide. The SPSS Process Macro model 4 was used to investigate the mediating effect of acceptance in the relationship between resilience and PTSD symptoms. After analyzing the questionnaires of 162 individuals, excluding 50 who disagreed, had many duplicate and omitted questions, or responded carelessly, it was confirmed that acceptance had a mediating effect in the relationship between resilience and PTSD symptoms. These results suggest that resilience increases acceptance, and as acceptance increases, PTSD symptoms decrease, thereby increasing the likelihood of alleviating PTSD symptoms. Therefore, future research should develop programs to strengthen acceptance and policies to prevent and manage PTSD among firefighters.