Stress, psychological disease, psychological well-being and personality in Italian firefighters compared to other working categories

Abstract

This study analyzed the differences between firefighters and other working categories (urban policemen, employees in the service industry) in psychological well-being, anxiety, depression, personality and stress. Much research has evidenced that people who have to deal with emergencies are more subjected to psychological diseases. Our results showed that firefighters have lower levels of anxiety, depression, emotional instability and negative emotions in relation to urban policemen and employees. In addition, there are no significant differences in psychological well-being. Further research is necessary to define the specific psychological attitudes or traits which allow firefighters to deal with psychological disease and stress.