OCCUPATIONAL BURNOUT AND STRESS MANAGEMENT AMONG FIRE SERVICE PERSONNEL: AN APPLICATION OF MASLACH'S BURNOUT THEORY

Abstract Fire service personnel operate in highly hazardous and demanding occupational environments characterized by exposure to life-threatening incidents, traumatic events, irregular work schedules, and intense physical and organizational pressures. These conditions significantly elevate the risk of occupational stress and burnout, adversely affecting individual well-being, operational safety, and organizational effectiveness. Despite the critical role of fire services, empirical research on burnout among firefighters—particularly in developing and emerging economies such as India—remains limited. Grounded in Maslach’s Burnout Theory, this study conceptualizes burnout as a multidimensional construct comprising emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. The research examines the relationship between occupational stress and burnout and evaluates the impact of burnout on job satisfaction, productivity, and work performance. Drawing on the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping and the Job Demands–Resources (JD-R) framework, the study also assesses the role of coping strategies and organizational resources in mitigating burnout. Primary data were collected from 500 fire service personnel in the National Capital Region of Delhi using a structured questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale. Findings reveal moderate to high levels of burnout among firefighters, with strong negative correlations between effective coping strategies and burnout. The study highlights the urgent need for structured organizational interventions, leadership reforms, and mental health policies to ensure workforce sustainability and public safety.