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How Do People Thrive in High-Stress, High-Threat Jobs?
People in high-stress jobs can do more than just survive—they can thrive. But we need better research, clearer definitions, and practical strategies to support them.
First responders, emergency service workers, and military personnel face repeated exposure to trauma, high stress, and life-threatening situations. These roles come with significant risks to mental and physical health. But can people not just survive, but actually thrive in such extreme environments?
A recent scoping review by Edmondson and colleagues (2025) explored this question by looking at what helps people thrive in these challenging jobs.
What Is “Thriving”?
Thriving is more than just coping or bouncing back. Thriving is moving beyond a baseline functioning. It means feeling well and performing well.
What Did the Review Find?
- 28 studies were reviewed, mostly involving police officers, paramedics, firefighters, and soldiers.
- Surprisingly, none of the studies used “thriving” as their main focus, but many examined related ideas like wellbeing, resilience, and performance.
- Personal factors like resilience, positive coping, and optimism were linked with thriving outcomes.
- Supportive environments such as strong social networks, shared humour, and good leadership also made a big difference.
- Some avoidant coping strategies were even helpful during the most intense stress, if balanced with proactive approaches.
- Physical wellbeing (like fitness and health) was often overlooked but is an essential part of thriving.
Why This Matters
Thriving is not just about avoiding burnout – it can lead to better mental health, fewer sick days, improved performance, and a more positive workplace. For organisations relying on people in high-stakes roles, supporting thriving is critical for long-term wellbeing and effectiveness.
What’s Next?
This review shows that while the concept of thriving is relevant, it is under-researched in high-risk occupations. More work is needed to:
- Define and measure thriving clearly,
- Explore its physical health components,
- Develop interventions that help individuals and teams thrive under pressure.
Key takeaway: People in high-stress jobs can do more than just survive – they can thrive. But we need better research, clearer definitions, and practical strategies to support them.
Reference: Edmondson, S., Wright, K., Jackson, B., Simpson, A., & Furzer, B. (2025). Thriving Under Threat: A Scoping Review of Human Thriving in Recurring Potentially Traumatic, Elevated Threat and High Stress Work Environments. Stress and Health, 41(4), Article e70084. https://doi.org/10.1002/smi.70084
Access the full published report here
Questions?
Get in touch with the MHEX Team – mhex@uwa.edu.au
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