THE MODERATING ROLE OF CHARACTER STRENGTHS IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CRITICAL INCIDENT EXPOSURE AND POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS SYMPTOMS AMONG PARAMEDICS IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

The present study aims to understand the moderating role of character strengths in the relationship between critical incidents exposure and posttraumatic stress symptoms among paramedics in a Singapore. With the help of a Southeast Asian organisation that manages ambulance services, a total of 117 participants’ responses were analysed. The participants, who are paramedics, answered questionnaires measuring their exposure to critical incidents, character strengths, posttraumatic stress symptoms and demographic data. Descriptive statistical analysis and a moderation analysis was conducted to understand the relationship between the variables, and the moderating effects of character strengths. Findings showed that there were nine character strengths that were significant moderators in the relationship between critical incident exposures and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Findings may have implications on existing trauma literature and help inform future research on the benefits of character strengths in response to traumatising events.