The 21st century world of work is characterised by increased global competition, a relentless drive to cost effective measures, work pressure, highly constrained budgets, higher levels of unemployment, constant economic fluctuations, political instability as well as corruption. The general aim of this study was to determine the relationship between emotional intelligence and occupational stressors amongst firefighters in a metropolitan municipality. Although there has been some research conducted on stress amongst firefighters in South Africa, there has been no research on the two constructs of occupational stress and emotional intelligence of firefighters. The study was done through a quantitative research method. The sample was selected by using the nonprobability sample of convenience. The sample was obtained by selecting any seven (7) of the 21 fire stations randomly. The sample consisted of 150 firefighters who completed a Biographical Information Questionnaire, Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-I 2.0) and the Sources of Work Stress Inventory (SWSI). The questionnaires were analysed using SPSS, the correlation and multiple linear regression results indicated that there is a relationship between the two constructs, emotional intelligence and occupational stress amongst firefighters and that those with a higher level of emotional intelligence experienced less stress and those who scored lower on emotional intelligence experienced high levels of stress. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / M. Com. (Industrial and Organizational Psychology)

Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in the Department of Psychology University of Zululand, 2004. / This report presents the findings of a study conducted in 2003-2004, involving eight members of emergency services in Stanger, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. The emergency personnel included five firefighters and three paramedics. The aim of the study was to develop and evaluate a mutual aid group programme in order to prevent symptoms of trauma, with special reference to anxiety and depression, and promote psychological well-being in emergency personnel. Emergency personnel are exposed to traumatic events during the line of duty. The study investigated stressors, which were identified as organizational, management style, ineffective communication, stressors relating to patient care (personal loss, traumatic stimuli, high expectations) and low job and high workloads. The study also investigated psychological, physical and social effects of emergency work. Psychological effects that were identified were mental illnesses such as depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. Symptoms included irritability, anger, frustration, hopelessness, helplessness, fear and anxiety. Physical effects included fatigue, difficulty breathing, startle response, nausea, trembling and racing heart. Social problems such as conflicts with family, friends and colleagues were also identified. The study provided group members with the ability to identify symptoms of trauma and accept vulnerability, which served as important preventative measures for mental illness. The group created a safe atmosphere where members were able to share their feelings without the fear of being judged. It also provided members with new coping strategies for dealing with their feelings. Regarding further support systems the group members identified an ongoing need for help via psychologists, psychological debriefing and support from management, family as well as the community. / National Research Foundation