Date of Award

5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Morrison, Patricia

Area of Concentration

Psychology

Abstract

The current research focuses on the workplace and well-being of first responders and the types of trauma they may experience, including vicarious trauma, secondary traumatic stress, acute stress disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Specifically, this study examines how exposure to trauma impacts individuals working in forensic and first responder-related fields and explores the coping mechanisms and organizational supports they utilize to manage these experiences. It also examines the coping mechanisms they utilize, both individually (e.g., problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, peer support) and within their organizations (e.g., debriefing, mental health services, job design). Using a qualitative approach, data was collected through semi-structured interviews with individuals working in forensic and first responder-related fields. Findings revealed frequent exposure to high-intensity trauma, particularly cases involving children, which were identified as the most emotionally difficult. Participants often relied on emotional suppression and delayed processing, contributing to burnout, fatigue, and effects on their personal lives. Coping strategies such as compartmentalization and peer support were commonly used, with peer support emerging as especially important. Organizational support varied, with some participants reporting helpful resources, while others described a lack of genuine support and a culture that discourages open discussion of mental health.

Rights

The author has granted New College of Florida the nonexclusive right to archive, make accessible, and distribute for educational purposes this work in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. The copyright of this work remains with the author.

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