Cited by 105Suicide and Self-Harm StudiesOccupational Health and PerformancePosttraumatic Stress Disorder Research

Firefighter suicide: Understanding cultural challenges for mental health professionals.

Henderson, Sarah N., Van Hasselt, Vincent B., LeDuc, Todd J., Couwels, Judy·2016·Professional Psychology: Research and Practice

Abstract

Suicide is a widespread problem that is severely underreported within the fire service. There is a growing body of evidence that suggests firefighters are at increased risk of committing suicide compared with their civilian counterparts due to disturbingly higher rates of posttraumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders, which serve as markers for suicide completion. The main problem for mental health professionals in addressing suicide in this population is the substantial lack of empirical research on mental health of firefighters as well as the compounding cultural stigma that exists in addressing mental and behavioral health issues. Additionally, there remains a discrepancy in reported rates of suicide and a lack of information on attempted suicides—related to low reporting rates by family members, fellow firefighters, and departments, as well as no official national tracking database for suicide in firefighters—that further complicates research in this area. This article (a) discusses current research on suicide within the fire service, (b) explores issues and challenges for psychological assessment and intervention for practitioners working with this population, (c) describes specific approaches toward decreasing suicide in firefighters, and (d) suggests policy considerations for fire departments and mental health professionals.

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Registry

Crossref · 10.1037/pro0000072

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Authors
Henderson, S. N., Van Hasselt, V. B., LeDuc, T. J., & Couwels, J.
Affiliations
Nova Southeastern University (US)
Venue
Professional Psychology: Research and Practice
Published
2016-06
Volume
47
Issue
3
Pages
224-230
ISSN
  • 0735-7028 (ISSN-L)
  • 1939-1323
OpenAlex
W2481772327
Cited by
105
References
55
Citations by year
2026: 5 · 2025: 9 · 2024: 9 · 2023: 14 · 2022: 9 · 2021: 9 · 2020: 15 · 2019: 13 · 2018: 12 · 2017: 6 · 2016: 4
FWCI
15.63
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Professional Psychology Research and Practice (publishedVersion)
  • NSUWorks (Nova Southeastern University) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Suicide and Self-Harm Studies
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › Occupational Therapy › Occupational Health and Performance
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research
Keywords
suicide prevention, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorders, mental health stigma, underreporting of suicide, suicide attempts, psychological assessment, psychological intervention, fire departments, workplace mental health

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