The Effects of Paramilitary Discipline on the Psychology of Fire‐fighters

Abstract

Examines individuals′ psychological responses towards paramilitary discipline. Reports on a study which followed 145 recruit firemen (RFn) throughout their six‐month initial training in Hong Kong Fire Services Training School. California Psychological Inventory (CPI) was administered to the subjects on their very first and final days of stay in the academy. The findings support the theoretical assumption that paramilitary fire services training changes one′s personality. Post‐paramilitary training personality (PPMTP) was identified. CPI dimensions typifying PPMTP are decreasing levels in sense of well‐being, responsibility, socialization, self‐achievement via conformance, self‐control, good impression, communality and increasing levels in the dimensions of capacity for status and flexibility. Except capacity for status, all PPMTP dimensions are negatively related to RFns′ satisfaction and work stress in the academy. It is believed that the dysfunctional nature of PPMTP is due to the deleterious effects of strict military‐like discipline on the psychology of subjects.

Citation

Ko, Y. and Kao, H.S.R. (1993), "The Effects of Paramilitary Discipline on the Psychology of Fire‐fighters", Disaster Prevention and Management, Vol. 2 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/09653569310040982