TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2015//
TI  - Stress in crisis managers: evidence from self-report and psychophysiological assessments
JO  - Journal of behavioral medicine
A1  - Janka, A.
A1  - Adler, C.
A1  - Fischer, L.
A1  - Perakakis, P.
A1  - Guerra, P.
A1  - Duschek, S.
SP  - 970
EP  - 983
VL  - 38
IS  - 6
N2  - Directing disaster operations represents a major professional challenge. Despite its importance to health and professional performance, research on stress in crisis management remains scarce. The present study aimed to investigate self-reported stress and psychophysiological stress responses in crisis managers. For this purpose, 30 crisis managers were compared with 30 managers from other disciplines, in terms of self-reported stress, health status and psychophysiological reactivity to crisis-related and non-specific visual and acoustic aversive stimuli and cognitive challenge. Crisis managers reported lower stress levels, a more positive strain-recuperation-balance, greater social resources, reduced physical symptoms, as well as more physical exercise and less alcohol consumption. They exhibited diminished electrodermal and heart rate responses to crisis-related and non-specific stressors. The results indicate reduced stress and physical complaints, diminished psychophysiological stress reactivity, and a healthier life-style in crisis managers. Improved stress resistance may limit vulnerability to stress-related performance decline and facilitate preparedness for major incidents.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0160-7715
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10865-015-9654-1
ID  - ref1
ER  -