Do Negative Cognitions Influence First Responders' Coping and Attitudes Toward Others?

Throughout the pandemic, first responders tended to be at a higher risk for traumatization and higher levels of occupational stress given the nature of their professional responsibilities. This is above and beyond the already high levels of occupational stress and risk involved in their professional role prior to the pandemic. This study examined the association between the pandemic and the development of posttraumatic stress symptoms and negative cognitions. The study also examined if posttraumatic cognitions were associated with a shift in coping (maladaptive or adaptive) or attitudes toward others (feelings of institutional betrayal or intimate partner violence myth acceptance). We hypothesized that negative cognitions about the world would mediate the relationship between perceived stress and intimate partner violence myth acceptance and feelings of institutional betrayal. We also hypothesized that negative cognitions of the self and self-blame would mediate the relationship between perceived stress and adaptive and maladaptive coping. Three of the four models were fully supported. The relationship between perceived stress, negative cognitions about the self and self-blame, and adaptive coping were only partially supported. Implications from this study include insights into the ways in which first responder mental health impacts not only their well-being but also the well-being of those within their community and the care they receive. Future studies should build on this finding by testing the efficacy of potential preventative and interventive efforts to mitigate these effects.