Semester

Fall

Date of Graduation

2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

PhD

College

College of Applied Human Sciences

Department

Sport and Exercise Psychology

Committee Chair

Ashley Coker-Cranney

Committee Member

Joy Hutchinson

Committee Member

Johannes Raabe

Committee Member

Samuel Zizzi

Abstract

Volunteer firefighters (VFFs) are essential to rural emergency response, and their ability to perform effectively depends on their mental and physical readiness. Given the high prevalence of mental and physical health challenges among VFFs, there is a critical need for research to better understand how these factors interact to develop targeted interventions that can systematically improve VFF functioning. This study addressed gaps in the literature by examining the intersections and mechanisms shaping rural VFFs’ coping functions, physical health, occupational performance, resilience, and social support. An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was employed, beginning with a quantitative survey of 180 West Virginia VFFs, followed by qualitative interviews with 10 VFFs who met follow-up criteria. Descriptive findings revealed concerning health patterns including elevated or abnormal BMI and blood lipids, and low levels of physical activity and sleep. Additionally, quantitative results shown problem-focused coping and social support were significantly related to resilience. Resilience was positively associated with occupational performance, but not physical health. Qualitative narratives highlighted adaptive pathways toward resilience development marked by boundaried empathy, self-efficacy, and strong support systems, as well as maladaptive trajectories characterized by limited support, rumination, and self-criticism. The findings underscore the interconnected nature of coping, health, performance, resilience, and social support in the volunteer fire service. Practical implications include promoting problem-focused coping, strengthening peer and family supports, addressing maladaptive tendencies, and expanding access to health and wellness initiatives, particularly in resource limited rural departments. Ultimately, this research contributes evidence to support the sustainability of rural VFFs’ career longevity, health, and readiness.

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