Work

Male role norms and the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms among Polish male paramedics

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Knowledge of the incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the rescue profession is crucial for designing psycho-education to minimize the risk of its occurrence and increase the chance of providing effective assistance. The aim of the study was to analyze risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing PTSD among paramedics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: . RESULTS: The results showed that nearly 40% of the respondents suffer from PTSD. The paramedics who met the criteria for PTSD did not differ in their acceptance of male norms or the level of perceived social support from the paramedics who did not develop PTSD symptoms. Multiple regression analyses showed that the number of types of events experienced in the course of professional duties and male cultural norms related to social status were predictors of PTSD. Logistic regression analysis revealed that acceptance of male norm of anti-femininity increased the likelihood of developing PTSD. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that men who performed stereotypically male professions could be less likely to seek specialist help in PTSD situations because such behavior does not fit the role of a strong, assertive man in social perception. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(3):280-295.

Source: International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

DOI: 10.13075/ijomeh.1896.02545

Authors: Magdalena Maja Sitko-Dominik, Tomasz Daniel Jakubowski, Eugenia Ewa Mandal

Institution: University of Silesia in Katowice

Language: English

Topic: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $701