Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3514-1829
Date Available
11-18-2025
Year of Publication
2025
Document Type
Doctoral Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
College
Social Work
Department/School/Program
Social Work
Faculty
Dr. Chris Flaherty
Faculty
Dr. Natalie Pope
Abstract
This exploratory study was designed to measure the prevalence and correlates of professional quality of life constructs in a novel population: active-duty Air Force First Sergeants. Given the similarities in duties and stressors that First Sergeants encounter with those of other helping professionals, this study aimed to expand the scope of existing professional quality of life research by applying Stamm’s (2010) professional quality of life framework to cross-sectional survey research with a sample of First Sergeants. Four primary research questions guided this study: first, what is the prevalence of secondary traumatic stress (STS), burnout, and compassion satisfaction in a sample of First Sergeants and how does that prevalence compare to other helping professionals? Second, does there exist a relationship between personal trauma history, time in the First Sergeant role, and perceived support and the rates of STS, burnout, and compassion satisfaction reported by the sample? Third, does the type of unit to which a First Sergeant is assigned have an effect on rates of STS, burnout, and compassion satisfaction reported? And fourth, what occupational stressors and perceived personal impacts as a result do First Sergeants report? Using a series of one sample and independent samples t-tests and correlation analyses, this study found a significant difference in the rates of STS, burnout, and compassion satisfaction reported by the sample in comparison to rates reported by other helping professionals. In addition, several significant relationships between the independent variables of interest and the reported rates of STS, burnout, and compassion satisfaction were detected.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.13023/etd.2025.48
Recommended Citation
Barney, Ryan K., "Professional Quality of Life of Air Force First Sergeants: An Exploratory Study" (2025). Theses and Dissertations--Social Work. 49.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/csw_etds/49
