Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine

Behavioral and Physical Performance in Public Service Professions

Individuals working in public service professions, including firefighters, emergency medical personnel, military personnel, and corrections/law enforcement officers, face significant occupational health risks due to poor diet, chronic exposure to trauma, continuous operation in high-stress environments, and disrupted sleep patterns. These challenges contribute to elevated rates of mental health disorders, cardiovascular disease, substance use, and burnout. Despite increasing awareness, gaps remain in applying health education strategies, behavioral interventions, and organizational policies that effectively promote the well-being of those who serve the public. This Article Collection invites research on physical health and the behavioral, social, and organizational determinants of health in public service personnel, as well as interventions aimed at improving their well-being.

Public service personnel face unique challenges, including occupational stress, sleep disruption, and mental health concerns, making evidence-based interventions critical. This Article Collection will explore strategies to promote wellness, address health disparities, and implement behavioral interventions tailored to their needs. By examining organizational influences, workforce policies, and equity considerations, the research identified for this Article Collection will contribute to the journal’s focus on translating research into practice and informing policies that enhance public safety, health, and well-being. Herein, we will advance evidence-based strategies to improve health outcomes in this high-risk workforce. This Article Collection will raise awareness of the behavioral, social, and organizational factors influencing first responder well-being, providing a foundation for targeted health education initiatives. The Collection could inform leadership decisions, shape physical and public health strategies, and enhance access to mental health and preventive care by showcasing innovative interventions, workplace wellness programs, and policy recommendations. It would also contribute to broader discussions on occupational health equity, ensuring diverse public service populations receive the support they need to thrive.

Topics of interest include behavioral interventions targeting sleep, nutrition, and physical activity; the role of leadership, department culture, and peer support in shaping health outcomes; and occupational fitness, stress, burnout, and resilience-building strategies. Studies addressing health disparities among underrepresented groups, the impact of technology-driven solutions such as telehealth and mobile health apps, and policy-driven approaches to workplace wellness are also encouraged. By integrating public health, kinesiology, psychology, social work, and occupational health perspectives, this Article Collection seeks to advance evidence-based strategies that enhance the health of public service personnel and inform practice and policy.

Please contact Dr. MK Huffman at mary.huffman@taylorandfrancis.com with any queries about discount codes regarding this Article Collection.

Please be sure to select the appropriate Article Collection from the drop-down menu in the submission system.

Dr. Brian A. Moore is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Kennesaw State University. He earned his Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Texas at San Antonio and completed both pre- and post-doctoral fellowships in health and trauma psychology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Dr. Moore serves as a behavioral health subject matter expert for the Department of the Army and Homeland Security. His work has been featured in outlets such as NPR, Healthline, U.S. News & World Report, Military Times, and United Press International. In 2025, Dr. Moore’s research team received the Public Impact Research Award from the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU).

Dr. Sarah N. Lanham is a Research Scientist at the AMES Research Center. She earned her Ph.D. in exercise physiology from the University of Kentucky and has completed a post-doctoral fellowship in applied human performance at Kennesaw State University. Dr. Lanham takes a multi-factor approach to improving the longevity of emergency services personnel, examining how physical training, workplace policy, and preventive health infrastructure shape long-term occupational outcomes. Dr. Lanham’s work has been featured in Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Healthcare, and Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.

Dr. Moore and Dr. Lanham declare no conflicts of interest regarding this work.