A Phenomenological Study of Firefighters' Experiences of Deliberate Rumination and Post-Traumatic Growth

Oh, Y. H., & Yoo, H. S. (2026). A Phenomenological Study of Firefighters' Experiences of Deliberate Rumination and Post-Traumatic Growth. , 31(1), 327-362, https://doi.org/10.17315/kjhp.2026.31.1.016

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Abstract

This study examines the meaning and structure of deliberate rumination experiences that promote post-traumatic growth in firefighters. We conducted in-depth interviews with eight active firefighters to explore their deliberate rumination experiences during their journeys of post-traumatic growth. Using Colaizzi's phenomenological research method for data analysis, we identified 35 formulated meanings, 23 themes, 8 theme clusters, and 3 core categories: 'confrontation,' 'coping,' and 'change.' The confrontation category included 'catalyst for challenge' and 'decision to challenge.' The coping category comprised 'cognitive coping' and 'emotional coping.' The change category featured 'mindset change toward adversity,' 'mindset change toward self,' 'mindset change toward others,' and 'mindset change toward life.' The relationships among these categories, enriched by meanings of 'temporality,' 'cumulative hierarchical stages,' and 'experiential modes,' constructed the experiential structure of deliberate rumination. Our findings have significant therapeutic implications, emphasizing deliberate rumination as a valuable psychological resource that can facilitate post-traumatic growth in firefighters.

keywords: firefighters, deliberate rumination, post-traumatic growth, phenomenological study

Received: 2025-07-21

Revised: 2025-08-21

Accepted: 2025-12-01

Published: 2026-01-30

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Article Contents

Vol.31 No.1

A Phenomenological Study of Firefighters' Experiences of Deliberate Rumination and Post-Traumatic Growth

Abstract

Korean Journal of Health Psychology