This study analyzes the relationship between professional occupation and the processes of cognitive appraisal in Portuguese firefighters. The study involved 163 firemen from Oporto region, in Portugal. The evaluation protocol included measures of cognitive appraisal, stress, burnout, organizational commitment, and life satisfaction. The results revealed very significant levels of occupational stress (32.5%), although no case of "full" burnout was detected. The comparative analysis showed a more negative work experience in professionals who assessed their activity as more threatening, less challenging and with a less potential for confrontation with the work demands. The regression analysis showed the predictive value of the stress dimensions and the processes of cognitive appraisal in explaining the experience of burnout. Finally, we discuss some of the implications of cognitive appraisal processes in understanding human adaptation in workplace settings.
Stress; Cognitive appraisal; Burnout; Satisfaction; Commitment
