current research projects

The year has presented many challenges for essential workers, starting with COVID-19 and followed shortly by rioting and civil unrest. This brief survey examined the current state of mental health in LEOs nationwide. 

This is an ongoing longitudinal study of the impact of formal and informal peer support on the wellness of 9-1-1 telecommunicators. The study is nearing its third wave of data collection. Baseline data suggest that nearly 29% of the sample screen positive for PTSD, nearly 30% are the moderate to severe range of depression scores, and nearly 34% are in the moderate to severe range of anxiety scores.

This project included 800+ 9-1-1 telecommunicators from across the country. A number of publications are in print with the baseline data. Analysis of the follow-up data is ongoing.

This project examines emotional, cognitive, and neurocognitive predictors of wellness among 9-1-1 telecommunicators adoping NG911 technology. Data collection is in the second phase and will conclude in January 2021.

Lilly, M. M., Calhoun, B., Painter, I., et al. (2019). Destress 9-1-1: Efficacy of an online mindfulness-based intervention in reducing stress among 9-1-1 telecommunicators. 

Turner, K. D., Lilly, M. M., Gamez, A. M., & Kressler, K. (2019). Impact of work-related factors on stress and health among 911 calltakers and dispatchers in California. 

Kerr, D., Meischke, H., Lilly, M. M., Ornelas, I. J., & Calhoun, R. (2019). Participant engagement in and perspectives on a web-based mindfulness intervention for 9-1-1 telecommunicators: multimethod study. 

Meischke, H., Lilly, M. M., Beaton, R., et al. (2018). Protocol: A multi-level intervention program to reduce stress in 9-1-1 telecommunicators. 

Baseman, J., Revere, D., Painter, I., Stangenes, S., Lilly, M., Beaton, R., et al. (2018). Impact of new technologies on stress, attrition and well-being in emergency call centers: The Next Generation 9-1-1 Study protocol. 

London, M. J., Mercer, M. C., & Lilly, M. M. (2017). Considering the impact of early trauma on coping and pathology to predict posttraumatic growth among 9-1-1 telecommunicators. 

Allen, C. A., Mercer, M. C., & Lilly, M. M. (2016). Duty-related posttraumatic stress symptoms in 9-1-1 telecommunicators: The roles of childhood trauma exposure and emotion-focused coping. 

Lilly, M. M., London, M. J., & Mercer, M. C. (2016). Predictors of obesity and physical health complaints among 9-1-1 telecommunicators. 

Meischke, H., Painter, I., Lilly, M. M., Beaton, R., Revere, D., Calhoun, B., et al. (2015). An exploration of sources, symptoms and buffers of occupational stress in 9-1-1 emergency call centers. 

Lilly, M. M., & Allen, C. E. (2015). Psychological inflexibility and psychopathology in 9-1-1 telecommunicators. 

Pierce, H. A., & Lilly, M. M. (2012). Duty-related trauma exposure in 911 telecommunicators: Considering the risk of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. 

Lilly, M. M., & Pierce, H. A. (2012). PTSD and depressive symptoms in 911 telecommunicators: The role of peritraumatic distress and world assumptions in predicting risk.