Peer-delivered emotion-regulation training to prevent mental health problems in firefighter trainees
Official title: Peer Delivered, Emotion Regulation-Focused Mental Health Prevention Training for Fire Fighter Trainees
Funded at Baylor Research Institute · NIH-11394109 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A peer-led program teaches new firefighters emotion-regulation skills to help prevent PTSD, depression, anxiety, and problematic alcohol use during the early years on the job.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $547,176 |
| NIH project number | 5R01OH012577-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11394109 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are new firefighter trainees (professional, paid, or volunteer) who are entering fire service and can participate in peer-delivered training.
✕Less likely to help
Trainees who do not engage with the training or who have existing severe mental health conditions requiring specialized care may experience limited benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to give new firefighters, including volunteers and professionals, practical emotion-regulation strategies delivered by trained peers to reduce early mental health problems. It builds a transdiagnostic approach so skills may help prevent PTSD, mood symptoms, and alcohol-related issues as they enter the field. The training is designed to be integrated into initial socialization into the fire service, with emphasis on accessibility and real-world applicability. By addressing mental health before symptoms emerge, the program seeks to improve resilience, safety, and long-term well-being for firefighters. The study will track engagement, skill uptake, and preliminary outcomes to inform broader implementation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could lower the incidence of mental health problems and suicide risk among firefighters by equipping them with proactive coping skills.
How similar studies have gone: Similar peer-delivered, preventative emotion-regulation trainings in high-stress occupations have shown promise, but more evidence is needed in fire service.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor Research Institute
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gulliver, Suzy B — Baylor Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Gulliver, Suzy B
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.