The Phenomenological Experience of First Responder Spouses

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.