Cognitive Functioning in Emergency Medical Responders: The Role of Depression, Insomnia, and Mental Health
Disciplines
Industrial and Organizational Psychology | Psychology
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Emergency medical responders (EMRs), including emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and firefighters, operate under conditions of sustained stress and repeated trauma exposure. These demands heighten vulnerability to depression, insomnia, and other mental health challenges that may impair cognitive functioning. The present study examined whether depression, insomnia, and overall mental health were associated with self-reported cognitive limitations among EMRs. Data were drawn from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Worker Well-Being Questionnaire (WellBQ), a nationally representative survey of U.S. working adults. The analytic sample consisted of 375 participants who provided information on depression and insomnia history, frequency of poor mental health days, and current symptoms. Cognitive limitations were assessed with a dichotomous measure of serious difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions. Analyses included chi-square tests of independence and Pearson correlations. Depression status was significantly associated with cognitive limitations, χ²(6, N = 304) = 22.47, p < .001, Cramer’s V = .192, with participants reporting past or current depression endorsing greater difficulties. Insomnia status showed a similar association, χ²(6, N = 304) = 26.78, p < .001, Cramer’s V = .210, with those experiencing insomnia more likely to report limitations. More frequent poor mental health days were moderately correlated with cognitive difficulties, r(304) = .24, p < .001, while poorer overall mental health showed a stronger correlation, r(304) = .54, p < .001. Findings demonstrate that mental health conditions and sleep disturbance are linked to greater perceived cognitive difficulties in EMRs. Results underscore the importance of addressing depression, insomnia, and overall psychological well-being as interrelated contributors to occupational performance. Incorporating mental health and sleep assessments into wellness programs and organizational policies may mitigate cognitive limitations, reduce cumulative stress, and strengthen both individual well-being and public safety in this essential workforce.
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Academic department under which the project should be listed
RCHSS – Psychological Science
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Dr. Kristin Horan
Cognitive Functioning in Emergency Medical Responders: The Role of Depression, Insomnia, and Mental Health
Emergency medical responders (EMRs), including emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and firefighters, operate under conditions of sustained stress and repeated trauma exposure. These demands heighten vulnerability to depression, insomnia, and other mental health challenges that may impair cognitive functioning. The present study examined whether depression, insomnia, and overall mental health were associated with self-reported cognitive limitations among EMRs. Data were drawn from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Worker Well-Being Questionnaire (WellBQ), a nationally representative survey of U.S. working adults. The analytic sample consisted of 375 participants who provided information on depression and insomnia history, frequency of poor mental health days, and current symptoms. Cognitive limitations were assessed with a dichotomous measure of serious difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions. Analyses included chi-square tests of independence and Pearson correlations. Depression status was significantly associated with cognitive limitations, χ²(6, N = 304) = 22.47, p < .001, Cramer’s V = .192, with participants reporting past or current depression endorsing greater difficulties. Insomnia status showed a similar association, χ²(6, N = 304) = 26.78, p < .001, Cramer’s V = .210, with those experiencing insomnia more likely to report limitations. More frequent poor mental health days were moderately correlated with cognitive difficulties, r(304) = .24, p < .001, while poorer overall mental health showed a stronger correlation, r(304) = .54, p < .001. Findings demonstrate that mental health conditions and sleep disturbance are linked to greater perceived cognitive difficulties in EMRs. Results underscore the importance of addressing depression, insomnia, and overall psychological well-being as interrelated contributors to occupational performance. Incorporating mental health and sleep assessments into wellness programs and organizational policies may mitigate cognitive limitations, reduce cumulative stress, and strengthen both individual well-being and public safety in this essential workforce.