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Characteristics of Resilience Among Disaster Rescue Workers: A Systematic Review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 November 2020

Xiaorong Mao ,
Olivia WM Fung ,
Xiuying Hu  and
Alice Yuen Loke Open the ORCID record for Alice Yuen Loke [Opens in a new window]
Xiaorong Mao
Affiliation:
Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China School of Nursing, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hum, Kowloon, Hong Kong Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction, Sichuan University -Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
Olivia WM Fung
Affiliation:
School of Nursing, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hum, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Xiuying Hu
Affiliation:
Innovation Center of Nursing Research, West China School of Medicine/ West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
Alice Yuen Loke*
Affiliation:
School of Nursing, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hum, Kowloon, Hong Kong
*
Correspondence and reprint requests to Alice Yuen Loke (e-mail: alice.yuen.loke@polyu.edu.hk).
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Abstract

Disasters can cause long-lasting damage to survivors and rescue workers. Some rescue workers suffer negative physical and psychological consequences, while others do not. Thus, it is of value to fully understand the characteristics of rescuers who have not been affected by rescue activities. Resilience refers to the ability or capacity to cope with adversity. The aim of this review is to explore and identify the characteristics of resilience among rescue workers. A systematic literature search was conducted of seven electronic databases from inception to May 2019, using keywords and medical subject heading terms related to the resilience of rescuers. Hand searches and searches of leading authors were also performed. A total of 31 articles were eligible for review. Six domains were identified to characterize the resilience of rescuers namely, demographic and physical characteristics, personality traits, coping strategies, perceived resources, being equipped with special skills for disaster rescue, and having less adverse consequences from exposure to disaster. Researchers and disaster managers can take note of these characteristics to comprehensively understand the ‘positive concept’ of resilience. This enhanced understanding of ‘positive resilience’ can in turn be used to develop a framework to assess and establish interventions, and consequently to improve the psychological wellbeing of rescuers after disaster rescue efforts.

Keywords

disaster resiliencepersonal characteristicspsychological wellbeingrescue workerssystematic review
Type
Systematic Review
Information
Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness , Volume 16 , Issue 1 , February 2022 , pp. 380 - 389
Copyright
Copyright © 2020 Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc.

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