The purpose of this study was to identify relationships among variables related to the experiences of female spouse/partners of emergency responders. The 30 women sampled had sought treatment for occupation-related PTSD.

The First Responder Support Network (FRSN), a non-profit organization in Northern California, provided data for the study. Instrumentation consisted of a symptom inventory of participants' trauma and questionnaires regarding coping styles, worldviews, and perception of burden in response to living with a first responder.

Traumatic stress symptoms were reported more frequently than among the general population but similar to those of spouses of veterans. Findings suggested a diminished sense of self. Coping styles moderated the effects of trauma and were significantly related to worldviews. A substantial degree of burden was reported but burden levels were not related to traumatic stress.

The results indicated that first responder spouse/partners should be offered individual trauma-focused treatment to strengthen self-identity and fortify positive coping strategies.