Relationship between PTSD symptoms, social support and religiosity among Lebanese firefighters

Abstract

Firefighters are constantly exposed to high-intensity and traumatic circumstances, putting them at risk for PTSD. Limited research has been conducted on this topic in the Arab world, specifically among Lebanese firefighters. The study focused on examining the association between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms, social support, and religiosity among Lebanese firefighters. A questionnaire was distributed to firefighters in different regions of Lebanon to collect data. The sample included 131 firefighters from 8 governorates in Lebanon, who completed the following self-report questionnaires: The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5 Multidimensional Scale of perceived social support (Arabic-MSPSS); and Centrality of Religiosity Scale (CRS-5). Results indicated a significant relationship between PTSD symptoms, social support, and religiosity variables. The findings suggest that interventions that include religious and spiritual practices, as well as the enhancement of social support networks, could be beneficial to the contribution of increased well-being and lower PTSD symptoms in Lebanese Firefighters.