• Jiali Huang, Xiaohui Li, and Yuanyuan An.
• Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
• Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2021 Feb 1; 94 (2): 243-250.

PurposeThe study aims to explore the relationship of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms (PTSS) and job burnout among firefighters, as well as the mediating effect of coping in the relationship of PTSS and job burnout.MethodsA total of 431 firefighters participated in the study by completing a questionnaire package including Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS), PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), and Coping Strategy Indicator (CSI).Results(1) The level of firefighters' emotional exhaustion of job burnout varied significantly by age groups [F (2, 428) = 4.33, p < 0.05], and working years [F (2, 428) = 3.22, p < 0.05]; the level of cynicism of job burnout varied significantly by working years [F (2, 428) = 3.63, p < 0.05]. (2) PTSS was significantly and positively associated with job burnout (β = 0.899, p < 0.001). (3) Both avoidant coping and problem-solving mediated the relationship between PTSS and job burnout (β = 0.212, p < 0.001; β = 0.145, p < 0.001).ConclusionsFirefighters with higher level of PTSS are more likely to have job burnout. Avoidant coping and problem-solving play the mediating role in the relationship between PTSS and job burnout. The clinical implications for firefighters' interventions are discussed.

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