Assessing Meaning in Life Among Fire Suppression Firefighters According to Gender and Years of Service

Abstract

Firefighters frequently face distressing scenes that heighten their risk of psychological disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and sleep disturbances. In this study, we aimed to compare the meaning in life among firefighters by the number of service years and gender. We surveyed 511 firefighters using a modified Meaning-in-Life Scale (PIL). Statistical analyses were conducted to assess differences in meaning in life scores across different service periods and between genders. Significant differences were noted in meaning in life based on years of service: years 1-5 (M=5.49), 6-10 (M=5.07), 11-15 (M=5.07), 16-20 (M=5.23), 21-25 (M=4.92), 26-30 (M =5.30), and more than 31 years (M=4.94). Post-hoc analysis indicated that 1-5 years of service showed higher levels of meaning in life, compared to 21-25 and more than 31 years of service. No statistically significant differences between women (M=5.32) and men (M=5.21) were observed. Based on these survey results, we propose measures such as reviewing retirement age policies, implementing multifaceted evaluation processes, and promoting communication between senior and junior personnel to enhance the meaning in life among firefighters.

1. Introduction

According to media reports, four out of ten firefighters suffer from psychological disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) and sleep disorders.[1] Given the nature of their job, which entails frequent exposure to distressing scenes that are difficult for the public to experience, there is an urgent need to implement mental health management measures for firefighters.

In particular, firefighters actively engaged in fire suppression duties in frontline firefighting organizations face heightened risks of developing PTSD due to harrowing fatalities witnessed at disaster sites and the inherent uncertainty of these environments. Studies have revealed that many firefighters experience confusion in their sense of self and feelings of helplessness because of being dispatched to fire incidents.[2] However, existing research findings have yet to propose effective strategies to mitigate PTSD for the psychological well-being of fire extinguishers.

Consequently, the present study aimed to compare and analyze the meaning in life according to years of service and gender to identify strategies underpinning the psychological peace and welfare of firefighters working at the scene of devastating disaster events. The meaning on life is a buffer that reduces the negative effects of personal anguish and stress, and may alleviate the stress associated with disaster deployments by cultivating personal support networks and well-being.[3]

2. Theory

2.1 Fire suppression firefighters

Fire suppression encompasses the actions undertaken at a fire scene to mitigate damage caused by the fire and suppress or extinguish the flames.[4] Fire suppression firefighters are public officials employed by fire departments to prevent and combat fires (Fig. 1). Fire suppression by a fire brigade refers to all life-saving tasks, fire-extinguishing efforts, combustion prevention, smoke exhaustion, evacuation guidance, and other fire-suppression activities performed to protect human life, bodies, and property at the scene of a fire.[5] The fire suppression activities of the fire brigade are complex and subject to uncertainty. Moreover, the use of firefighting equipment and machinery varies based on several factors, including location of the fire, structures, purpose, equipment, type and condition of combustibles, weather, roads, terrain, and the availability of firefighting water at the fire site.

Fig. 1. fire suppression fighters (a)(b)(c).

As at December 31, 2022, 39,278 firefighters were working nationwide, including 26,406 firefighters stationed at 119 safety centers and 3,872 at local units. Analysis of data presented in the National Fire Agency Statistical Yearbook indicates a fluctuation in the number of fire dispatches, deaths, and injuries at fire scenes between 2018 and 2022 (Table 1).[6] A gradual decrease was noted in the number of fire dispatches, deaths, and injuries at fire scenes from 2018 to 2021, following an increase in 2022. The trend suggests an increase in the disaster stress experienced by firefighters in proportion to the potential number of disaster dispatches anticipated in the future. To mitigate the increased disaster stress, firefighters’ search for meaning in life could be serve as an important alternative coping mechanism.

Table 1. Statistics of the number of fire dispatches, and dead, and injured individuals at fire scenes between 2018-2022.

2.2. Concept and use of meaning in life

Firefighters engaged in firefighting activities characterized by high uncertainty and repeated exposure to trauma may experience symptoms of PTSD that are associated with decreased job satisfaction, job changes, frequent absenteeism, and early retirement.[7] This may lead to various mental health issues including depression, sleep disorders, anxiety, alcohol misuse, and increased suicidal ideation,[8] ultimately reducing quality of life and psychological well-being.[9] Findings from the ‘Firefighter Mental Health Survey’ conducted by the National Fire Agency and the Seoul National University Hospital Public Medical Service Group in 2023, revealed that 23,060 people, or 43.9% of all firefighters, required interventions or treatment for at least one out of four major psychological disorders such as PTSD, depression, sleep disorders, and problematic drinking.[10]

Recent studies on the meaning in life has gained attention as a component of mental health treatment for firefighters. Meaning in life is defined as having one's own direction, taking meaningful actions, and actively participating in life.[11] Individuals with higher levels of meaning in life tend to experience greater life satisfaction, happiness, self-esteem, display generous attitudes toward others, and sincere and positive attitudes toward life.[12] Additionally, research suggests that individuals with higher levels of meaning in life have a stronger sense of self-worth and are less likely to experience depression.[13] Conversely, individuals with lower levels of meaning in life are more vulnerable to stress reactions and are at greater risk of developing depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress.[14]

3. Method

3.1. Research subject

In this study, a survey was conducted among 511 fire suppression firefighters across the country to compare the meaning in life according to their years of service and gender (Table 2)

Table. 2. General characteristics of study subjects.

3.2 Meaning of Life Scale

The Meaning-in-Life Scale (PIL), developed by Crumbaugh and Maholic [13], is a self-report research instrument utilizing a 7-point Likert scale. A higher score indicates a higher level of meaning in life, while a lower score indicates a state of existential frustration and emptiness. For the present study, a modified version of the 18 PIL scale, previously adapted by Hong Mi-hye [15], was used to assess the reality of firefighting dispatch.

The modified PIL comprised ten survey questions using a 7-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (not at all) to very much (7 points). The reliability of the questionnaire was assessed through Cronbach's alpha, yielding a value of .944, which was higher than the standard value of 0.6, thereby confirming internal consistency of the measurement data (Table 4).

Table. 3. Contents of survey.

Table. 4. General level of meaning in life.

3.3 Statistical analysis

This study aimed to compare the meaning in firefighters’ lives according to their years of service and gender. The data were processed and analyzed using SPSS statistical software version 28.0.

Frequency analysis was conducted to calculate the frequencies and percentages (%) of the general characteristics of the study participants. Cronbach's α coefficient was calculated to confirm the reliability of the meaning-of-life measurement tool. Descriptive statistics, including means and standard deviations were used to determine the overall level of meaning in life.

4. Results

4.1 Overall level of meaning in life

In the analysis of the overall level of meaning in life according to the years of service and gender of firefighters involved in fire suppression, the average score was 5.21 points, which was slightly higher than the average. Notably, items such as ‘I am a very responsible person’ (M=5.79),“‘I am a very valuable person’ (M=5.77),” ‘I have the ability to discover the purpose of my life’ (M=5.49), and ‘My life depends on my will, and I can make it the way I want’ (M=5.44) were rated relatively high (Table 5).

Table. 5. Meaning in life based on years of service.

*p<.05, **p<.01, ***p<.001

4.2 Differences in meaning of life depending on years of service

When examining the differences in meaning in life according to the years of service of firefighters, question 1, ‘I am motivated and full of energy when working in the field’ showed significant differences for the following years: 11–15 years (M=5.21), 16–20 years (M=5.28), 21–25 years (M=5.06), 26–30 years (M=5.42), and over 31 years (M=5.14) (p<.05). Results of the post-hoc Duncan test revealed that awareness was higher in the 1-5 years of service group than in the 11–15, 21–25, and over 31 years of service groups.

For question 2, ‘My firefighting life is a series of interesting events,’ the following years of service showed significant differences: 1–5 years (M=4.99), 6–10 years (M=4.45), 11–15 years (M=4.50), 16–20 years (M=4.47)), 21–25 years (M=4.31), 26–30 years (M=4.87), and over 31 years (M=4.45) (p<.05). Results of the post-hoc Duncan test revealed 1 –5 years of service had the highest awareness, and 21–25 years of service had the lowest awareness.

For question 4, ‘I am very valuable as a human being,’ the following years of service were statistically different: 1–5 years (M=6.09), 6–10 years (M=5.68), 11–15 years (M=5.60), 16–20 years (M=5.97)), 21–25 years (M=5.29), 26–30 years (M=5.84), and over 31 years (M=5.38) (p<.01). The post-hoc Duncan test revealed that awareness was higher for 1–5, 16–20, and 26–30 year groups compared to that of the over 31 year group.

For question 7, ‘I am a very responsible person,’ significant differences were noted for the following years: 21–25 years (M=5.63), 26–30 years (M=6.09), and over 31 years (M=5.64) (p<.05). Post-hoc results showed that awareness was higher among those with 26–30 years of service than among those with 6–10 and 11–15 years of service.

For question 8, ‘I am capable of discovering my life's purpose’ the following years of service showed significant differences: 1–5 years (M=5.80), 6–10 years (M=5.32), 11–15 years (M=5.44), 16–20 years. (M=5.58), 21–25 years (M=5.23), 26–30 years (M=5.51), and over 31 years (M=5.08) (p<.01). Awareness was higher in the group with 1–5 years of service than in the groups with 21–25 years and over 31 years of service.

For question 9, ‘My life depends on my will and can be shaped as I wish,’ there were significant differences in the following services year groups: 16–20 years (M=5.55), 21–25 years (M=4.97), 26–30 years (M=5.32), and over 31 years (M=5.00) (p<.001). Post-hoc analysis revealed that awareness was higher in the groups with 1–5, 6–10, and 16–20 years of service than in those with 21–25 and over 31 years of service.

For the overall meaning in life, significant differences were noted in the following years of service: 1–5 years (M=5.49), 6–10 years (M=5.07), 11–15 years (M=5.07), 16–20 years (M=5.23), and 21–25 years (M=4.92), 26–30 years (M=5.30), and over 31 years (M=4.94) (p<.01). The post-hoc Duncan test revealed that firefighters with 1–5 service years showed higher awareness than those with 21–25 and over 31 service years (Table. 5).

4.3 Meaning in life according to gender

The meaning in life was compared among male and female firefighters. No significant differences were noted between the genders for all survey questions (Table. 6).

Table. 6. Meaning in life life based on gender.

*p<.05, **p<.01, ***p<.001

5. Discussion and Conclusion

In this study, we examined meaning in life as a way of relieving disaster stress among firefighters. Previous research demonstrated that individuals with high meaning in life have positive emotions and experience greater happiness and satisfaction. Conversely, individuals with low meaning in life often manifest negative emotions, such as depression and suicidal tendencies.

The present study analyzed the specific levels of meaning in life among firefighters engaged in fire suppression activities, according to the number of years of service and gender. The results revealed significant differences in the overall meaning in life across all service periods. Moreover, awareness was higher for firefighters with 1–5 years of service than for those with 21–25 years and more than 31 years of service. In post-mortem interviews, physical deterioration and the presence of a rigid organizational culture were cited as the primary reasons for the low level of meaning in life among firefighters with 21–25 years and over 31 years of service. The issue of extending the retirement age of firefighters, which has been reported in some media in relation to the decline in physical capabilities of firefighters [15], necessitates careful administrative consideration. To address the rigid culture of fire service organizations, measures are needed to rebuild trust in the promotion system through multifaceted evaluation and to establish a flexible communication channel through regular meetings between senior and junior personnel.

No significant differences were identified in the overall meaning in life by gender, with women (M=5.32) and men (M=5.21) showing similar results in both the overall meaning in life and its sub-contents.

According to the results of public opinion polls by many media organizations, firefighting is regarded as the most esteemed profession.[16] Unfortunately, many firefighters experience PTSD. Considering the findings of this study, the concept of meaning in life may be leveraged as a potential strategy to overcome PTSD among firefighters dedicated to disaster response efforts.