Abstract
In this phenomenological study, the essence of being a first responder spouse was described through the lived experiences of the participants. The objective of this phenomenological study was to answer the question, “What is the experience of being the spouse of a first responder?” Participants included six spouses of first responders in the Southern United States. Five themes emerged from the data: (a) safety, (b) stress, (c) pride, (c.1) civic-mindedness, (d) identity, and (e) finances. The qualitative results identified significant barriers and stressors that exist within the first responder family system and implications for clinical practice with this population.
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