Psychology Faculty Publications
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-2018
Journal Title
American Journal of Qualitative Research
ISSN
2576-2141
Volume
2
Issue
2
First Page
60
Last Page
73
Abstract
We explored the experiences of full-time firefighters in the present phenomenological qualitative study, having conducted semi-structured interviews with 26 male full-time firefighters. Their personal constructs of motivation and affiliation were explored and, within the constructs of motivation, three themes emerged. First, firefighters were motivated by a love of the excitement firefighting provides. Second, firefighters reported that the work schedule, which allows them more time at home, was a motivation. Third (and most emphasized by the firefighters) was an altruistic motivation to help others. Under the construct of affiliation, the firefighters reported a strong sense of brotherhood with their shift-partners, and they extended this brotherhood to all firefighters and even other emergency workers. We relate these findings to the existing body of research regarding the relationship between motivation, affiliation and satisfaction of firefighters.
Keywords
Firefighters, qualitative research, first responders, motivation, affiliation
Recommended Citation
Firmin, M., DeWitt, K., Ellis, H., Smith, L, & Tiffan, N. (2018). A qualitative study of the motivations and affiliation dynamics involved with a firefighting career. American Journal of Qualitative Research, 2, 1-15.
