The Role of Organizational Messages About Mental Health in Disclosure and Support-Seeking Decisions Among First Responders: A Qualitative Investigation

Abstract

AbstractFirst responders, especially those without adequate support, are at heightened risk for experiencing adverse mental health outcomes. Workplace mental health interventions for first responders are becoming more common. However, systematic research within the field of communication has not typically informed the development of these workplace interventions. The current study conducted interviews with 26 first responders to examine the messages they receive about mental health from their organizations and how those messages affect their support-seeking decisions. Analysis of the interviews revealed that first responders receive inconsistent messages from their departments about whether to seek support for mental health-related problems, creating confusion and distrust.Keywords: First respondersorganizational supportmental healthqualitative Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Author noteThe data in this research study cannot be shared due to IRB requirements and restrictions to help protect the privacy of participants.Additional informationNotes on contributorsErin CrawErin Craw (Ph.D., Chapman University) is an Adjunct Professor at Fairfield University and a Strategic Account Manager for the Public Sector at Youturn Health. Her research interests are at the intersection of health and interpersonal communication as it relates to social support, stigma, and resilience. She is particularly interested in translational research that improves access to needed support for underserved populations and those who face extensive barriers to gaining assistance.Michelle Miller-DayMichelle Miller-Day (Ph.D., Arizona State University) is a Professor of Communication Studies at Chapman University in Orange, California. Dr. Miller-Day’s research is at the intersection of interpersonal and family communication and health communication. She is particularly interested in the topics of mental health, submissive communication, and substance use prevention.