Gender Differences in Self-Efficacy and Coping Strategies among Public Sector Paramedics: Implications for Stress Management in High-Risk Healthcare Settings

Abstract

Paramedics operate in high-risk healthcare environments that demand strong psychological resilience. This study examined gender differences in self-efficacy and coping strategies among public sector paramedics and explored their relationship with perceived stress. A cross-sectional comparative design was employed with a sample of 200 paramedics (121 males, 79 females) from public healthcare facilities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Participants completed standardized measures of self-efficacy, coping strategies, emotional regulation, and perceived stress. Independent samples t-tests revealed significant gender differences in self-efficacy and coping strategies, with male paramedics reporting higher levels of both variables. No significant gender difference was observed in perceived stress. Correlation analysis indicated that self-efficacy was positively associated with coping strategies and negatively associated with perceived stress. Regression analysis demonstrated that coping strategies significantly predicted lower perceived stress levels. Findings suggest that gender-based psychological differences may influence stress management patterns in high-risk healthcare settings. Organizational interventions targeting self-efficacy enhancement and adaptive coping skills may strengthen resilience among paramedic professionals.