Beyond the Frontline: Exploring Indirect Trauma and Organisational Stress in Emergency Communication Centre Employees
Date
Authors
Campbell, Jessica L
Mackay, Lisa
Darby, Josh
Scholfield, Graant
Supervisor
Item type
Journal Article
Degree name
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
New Zealand Psychological Society Inc.
Abstract
Emergency communication centre employees are indirectly exposed to potentially psychologically traumatic events (PPTEs), yet research on their mental health is limited. This national census survey (73.4% response rate, n=58) examines symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder (PHQ-9), Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), and PTSD (SPRINT) among Fire and Emergency New Zealand personnel. It also explores PPTE exposure, organisational stressors, employee experiences, and coping mechanisms (AUDIT-C, emotional numbing scale) using mixed methods. Results show 64% screened positive for at least one mental disorder, with high rates of emotional numbing (31%) and hazardous alcohol use (51%). Qualitative analysis, including interviews and open-text survey responses, highlights stressors such as inadequate staffing, excessive workload, and lack of support. As the first dedicated study on this group in New Zealand, findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions.Description
Keywords
5203 Clinical and Health Psychology, 5205 Social and Personality Psychology, 52 Psychology, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Depression, Mental Health, Emergency Care, Brain Disorders, Mental Illness, Behavioral and Social Science, Anxiety Disorders, 5.6 Psychological and behavioural, Mental health, 3 Good Health and Well Being, 1701 Psychology, 1702 Cognitive Sciences, Social Psychology, 5203 Clinical and health psychology, 5205 Social and personality psychology
Source
New Zealand Journal of Psychology, ISSN: 0112-109X (Print); 0112-109X (Online), New Zealand Psychological Society Inc., 55(1). doi: 10.63146/001c.155984
Rights statement
Open access. CCBY-NC-4.0. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/