Abstract
Impacts of traumatic stress on psychological and physical outcomes were investigated in a moderated mediation model. Two groups of firefighters participated. The trauma group participated in the World Trade Center search and rescue operations in New York City, and the control group, from the same organization, worked at their regular jobs. A mediation analysis indicated that both psychological and physical indicators showed significantly higher negative reactions in the trauma group, above and beyond what might be expected from reported levels of stress exposure. A moderated mediation analysis indicated that personal resources that provided a buffer to damaging outcomes for the control group might not function effectively or may even make individuals more vulnerable under traumatic stress conditions. Implications for protective actions are discussed.