| This study examined how the level of self-efficacy within an individual affects compounded-stress appraisal and professional life satisfaction among emergency telecommunicators to develop a model of prediction for these factors. Also considered were age, gender, years of service, and education to evaluate the ability to predict the level of self-efficacy based on these factors. A non-experimental approach was used. The predictor variables (IV) were levels of self-efficacy, age, gender, years of service, and education. The outcome variables (DV) were perceived compounded stress and quality of life indicators (compassion fatigue, compassion satisfaction, and burnout). In addition, level of self-efficacy became the outcome variable in RQ3. An online survey combining the Perceived Stress Scale (Cohen, Kamarck, & Mermelstein, 1983), a modified version of the Operational and Organizational Police Stress Questionnaires (McCreary & Thompson, 2013a/b), the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE) (Schwarzer & Jerusalem, 1995) and the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL) Version 5 (Stamm, 2010) was used to collect data. Overall, 800 people accessed the survey, 364 met the inclusion criteria, and 175 participants completed the survey. Based on a power analysis, the decision was made that less than complete surveys would not be included. Using regression analyses, the results found statistical support for self-efficacy as a predictor of stress as well as a predictor for the life satisfaction measures. Near zero correlations were found between self-efficacy and the four demographic variables so regression analyses were not conducted on those variables. Centered on the study findings, recommendations for future research were made. |
