Relation between resiliency and post-traumatic growth in a group of paramedics: The mediating role of coping strategies.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the research is to investigate the mediating role of coping strategies for stress in the relation between resiliency and post-traumatic growth in a group of paramedics.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data of 80 paramedics who have experienced traumatic event at their worksites was analyzed. The age range of the participants was 21-67 years old (mean: 35.47, standard deviation: 10.21). The Post-traumatic Growth Inventory, the Assessment Resiliency Scale and Inventory to Measure Coping Strategies for Stress--Mini-Cope were used in the study.

RESULTS: Venting of negative emotions and denial appeared as suppressors in analyzing the relation, while planning plays mediating role between resiliency and post-traumatic growth.

CONCLUSIONS: In the process of post-traumatic growth, both avoidance and problem-focused strategies are important. Moreover, controlling such strategies as Venting and Denial may result in a high level of posttraumatic growth in the study group. The data supports that resiliency may have direct or indirect impact on post-traumatic changes. The results allow to understand the mechanisms of resiliency better, that relationship with post-traumatic growth is ambiguous.