L’impact des interventions non médicamenteuses sur l’adaptation psychologique dans le cadre de la prévention de l’épuisement professionnel chez les sapeurs-pompiers

This dissertation examines the mental health of French firefighters, a profession characterized by high levels of stress and an elevated risk of burnout. The study had a dual objective: first, to provide reliable data on the prevalence of burnout; and second, to assess the effectiveness of a non-pharmacological intervention. Our national survey conducted among 3,038 firefighters revealed that 11.4% were at moderate risk and 7.8% at very high risk, thereby underscoring a clear need for preventive strategies. Then, an experimental study was implemented in a sample of forty firefighters exhibiting moderate to high levels of burnout. Participants were assigned either to a control group or to a multifunctional physical activity group that received a seven-week training program consisting of two 60-minute sessions per week. Assessments—particularly those using the Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT)—demonstrated a significant reduction in burnout scores among participants in the physical activity group. This benefit was maintained one month after the end of our intervention. No significant changes were observed in the control group. However, the program did not produce notable effects on self-esteem, psychological distress, or coping strategies. In conclusion, this study confirms that burnout is a significant issue among French firefighters and that physical activity constitutes an effective and promising preventive strategy. Further research in larger samples is required to validate these findings and to encourage the integration of such interventions into occupational health policies within fire and rescue services.