Published works

Based on the Job Demands-Resource model (JD-R), the present study investigated the contributions of job demands and job resources to the mental health of emergency service workers.  Eighty-one fire communication (FireCom) officers employed by Queensland Fire and Emergency Service, (52 females, 29 males; aged between 21 years and 55 years+) completed an online self-report questionnaire that assessed the contributions of job demands (including acute demands, chronic demands, and demands of shift work), age, and job resources (including social support and self-efficacy), as predictors of four indices of mental health (well-being, depression, anxiety, and stress).  Four hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted.  Higher social support, in particular family support, was found to significantly and positively predict well-being and negatively predict both depression and stress.  The association between self-efficacy and overall well-being was not significant.  Individuals with higher chronic job demands had higher levels of stress and anxiety but not depression, while those with higher acute job demands reported high levels of depression only.  These findings have implications for the way FireCom officers can be best supported and educated to achieve positive mental health outcomes and continue to successfully provide that first link between the community and emergency services.