The impact of mindfulness on psychosomatic complaints among firefighters: The mediator role of vicarious traumatisation

Firefighters are at risk to develop post-traumatic and psychosomatic symptoms. But in order to face negative health effects they have psychological resources at their disposal, such as mindfulness. This study aims to test the a model by which intrusion predicts general dysphoria in response to mindfulness. Self-report measures were administered to Italian firefighters. Structural equation modelling shown that mindfulness did not directly influence general dysphoria: mediation analyses revealed its meaningful indirect effect via intrusion. The results suggest that mindfulness can lead to reduced symptoms of general dysphoria through low levels of intrusive thoughts.