Conceptualizing Suicidal Ideation Among Firefighters Through the Lens of an Integrated Theoretical Model

Abstract

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and is a major concern among professional American firefighters, with rates for suicidal ideation in firefighters two times higher than rates in the general population. The Neuman systems model integrated with the interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide provides a better understanding of the specific occupational and cultural aspects of firefighting that lead to a greater risk for suicidal ideation. This model provides an innovative lens that can inform the development and the implementation of interventions aimed at preventing suicidal ideation among firefighters.

Firefighters’ Perceptions of Psychological Intervention Programs in South Korea during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…This is because a person familiar with the characteristics of the job can give practical advice. In this regard, Henderson et al [30] state that consideration of organizational belonging and personal factors in firefighting culture is very important for firefighters' psychological management. Kitt [23] found that firefighters were frustrated with advisors who did not understand the firefighters' culture and work.…”