First Responders During COVID-19: Career Calling, PTSD, and Work Self-Efficacy

Abstract

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, first responders were identified as a high-risk group for developing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, which are commonly associated with negative thoughts about oneself. This may pose risk to perceptions of work self-efficacy, an integral component of employee well-being and occupational functioning. In line with the Job Demands-Resources Model (Demerouti et al., 2001), the present study examined whether the degree to which first responders’ perceived career calling (i.e., a “summons” to work) served as a protective factor in the relationship between PTSD symptoms associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and perceptions of self-efficacy in the workplace. MethodsParticipants were 138 first responders from local county police and fire departments who completed online screening measures for probable PTSD and depression, as well as self-reports of work self-efficacy and career calling, between May and June 2020. Statistical analysis occurred between 2020-2021. ResultsModeration analysis, controlling for depression and relevant covariates, revealed an interaction between PTSD symptoms and career calling, ΔR2 = .04, p = .017. At low levels of career calling, there was a significant and negative relationship between PTSD symptoms and work self-efficacy (b = ‒0.14, p = .023), but not among first responders with average or high calling (p’s > .58). Positive screening rates were 22% for probable PTSD and 19% for depression. ConclusionsPerceiving a career calling may help protect first responders during COVID-19 from the deleterious effects of PTSD symptomatology on work self-efficacy. Prevention efforts targeting first responders with low calling strength may be warranted.