The role of resiliency and coping strategies in occurrence of positive changes in medical rescue workers

Abstract

Background: Working in the emergency services entails exposure to traumatic events; however, their effects can be both negative and positive. Among the factors determining posttraumatic growth (PTG) after an experienced trauma are the personal resources and coping strategies. The purpose of the research was to investigate the role of resiliency and coping strategies with stress in posttraumatic growth in a group of medical rescue workers. Materials and methods: Data of 80 male medical rescuers who have experienced traumatic event in their worksite were analyzed. The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, Resiliency Measurement Scale and Inventory to Measure Coping Strategies with Stress – Brief-Cope were used in the study. Statistical tests such as t test, correlation and path analysis were used. Results: The tested medical rescue workers revealed the medium level of PTG. Active coping, planning, turning to religion, seeking of social support, both emotional and instrumental, and self-distraction positively correlated with posttraumatic growth. A more significant role in the process of PTG appeared to be played by avoidance and emotional-focused strategies Although resiliency does not directly affect posttraumatic growth, it may strengthen it through the choice of coping strategies. Conclusions: In the process of posttraumatic growth avoidance strategies seem to play more important role than strategies focusing on the problem.