What are the hidden stressors faced by emergency managers during disasters? This paper provides an in-depth look at the sources of stress experienced by these critical personnel, from environmental pressures to organizational demands. The study examines how personality and physical/psychological states mediate stress, impacting judgment and decision-making during crises. Stressors relating to environmental, organisational and operational demands are considered. The research explores stressors related to environmental factors (e.g., time pressure, risk levels), organizational factors (e.g., bureaucracy, information appropriateness), and operational demands (e.g., incident command, interagency liaison). It investigates how individual characteristics, such as fitness and occupational stress levels, influence stress responses, judgment, and decision-making in high-pressure situations. By identifying controllable and uncontrollable stress factors, this study informs the development of targeted training programs for emergency managers. These strategies aim to equip them with the skills to effectively manage stress, improve their judgment under pressure, and enhance their overall performance during disaster response. It provides crucial insights for enhancing resilience in emergency management.
Published in Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal, this paper is perfectly aligned with the journal's core focus on disaster-related challenges and strategies. By examining the specific stressors faced by emergency managers, the research contributes to the journal's goal of advancing effective disaster management practices. The citations within the paper position it within the broader literature on disaster studies and organizational resilience.