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Mediating Role of Stress at Work in the Relationship of Alexithymia and PTSD among Emergency Call Operators

Author

Listed:
  • Małgorzata Wojciechowska

    (Department of Mother and Child Health, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 33 Polna Street, 60-535 Poznan, Poland)

  • Aleksandra Jasielska

    (Faculty of Psychology and Cognitive Science, Adam Mickiewicz University, 89AB Szamarzewskiego Street, 60-568 Poznan, Poland)

  • Michał Ziarko

    (Faculty of Psychology and Cognitive Science, Adam Mickiewicz University, 89AB Szamarzewskiego Street, 60-568 Poznan, Poland)

  • Michał Sieński

    (Faculty of Psychology and Cognitive Science, Adam Mickiewicz University, 89AB Szamarzewskiego Street, 60-568 Poznan, Poland)

  • Maciej Różewicki

    (Emergency Notification Centre, 13a Wiśniowa Street, 61-477 Poznan, Poland)

Abstract

Aim: The main purpose of this research was to investigate the relationship between alexithymia, stress at work, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in impact emergency call center operators working in Poland (province of Greater Poland). The risk of exposure to critical life events was also considered. Methods: Data were collected using self-report questionnaires administered after dispatchers’ shifts. The emergency call center operators (N = 66) completed the Impact of Event Scale—Revised, 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale, Workplace Perceived Stress Questionnaire, and a questionnaire measuring the frequency and intensity of potentially traumatic events faced by emergency operators (a questionnaire developed by the authors). Results: Twenty of the most frequent events (e.g., child sexual harassment, rape, etc.) were identified. Results indicated that post-traumatic stress positively correlated with (a) work-related stress and (b) one aspect of alexithymia: difficulty expressing feelings. Additionally, work-related stress was identified as a mediator for the relation between alexithymia and the intensity of post-traumatic stress. Conclusions: The results of this study confirm that emergency operators are a high-risk group for the development of PTSD. The study results suggest that performing the work of an emergency dispatcher is not only demanding but also inherently involves participation in potentially traumatic events (as encountered through emergency calls).

Suggested Citation

  • Małgorzata Wojciechowska & Aleksandra Jasielska & Michał Ziarko & Michał Sieński & Maciej Różewicki, 2021. "Mediating Role of Stress at Work in the Relationship of Alexithymia and PTSD among Emergency Call Operators," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:23:p:12830-:d:695661
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sarah Bedini & François Braun & Laurence Weibel & Michel Aussedat & Bruno Pereira & Frédéric Dutheil, 2017. "Stress and salivary cortisol in emergency medical dispatchers: A randomized shifts control trial," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(5), pages 1-15, May.
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