Organization, Information and Learning Sciences ETDs
Publication Date
Summer 7-28-2026
Abstract
The expansion of civilian alternative first responder models reflects a national shift toward community-based approaches to crisis intervention. Grounded in Albert Bandura’s social learning theory, this study examined the extent to which demographic characteristics are associated with crisis self-efficacy, explored how perceptions of the responder role relate to confidence, and identified supports necessary for effective crisis response. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was employed with civilian first responders in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Quantitative data were collected with the Crisis Self-Efficacy Scale, and semi-structured interviews gathered qualitative data. Exploratory regression analyses (n=31) were not reliably associated with crisis self-efficacy, while role perceptions demonstrated a modest positive association with self-efficacy scores. Given the small sample size, the quantitative findings should be interpreted as preliminary. Qualitative findings suggest that crisis self-efficacy is developed through experiential mastery. These findings provide a context-specific extension of social learning theory while highlighting the potential importance of organizational supports, training, and interagency collaboration in shaping responder effectiveness. For the purposes of this study, these programs are referred to as civilian first responders, reflecting their increasingly recognized role in modern public safety systems.
Degree Name
Organization, Information and Learning Sciences
Level of Degree
Doctoral
Department Name
Organization, Information & Learning Sciences
First Committee Member (Chair)
Dr. Amir Hedayati
Second Committee Member
Dr. Charlotte Gunawardena
Third Committee Member
Dr. Nick Flor
Fourth Committee Member
Dr. Oleksandr Tkachenko
Language
English
Keywords
self-efficacy, civilian first responder, crisis intervention, public safety
Document Type
Dissertation
Recommended Citation
Desiderio, Jasmine. "KEEPING COMMUNITIES SAFE THROUGH AN ALTERNATIVE FIRST RESPONSE MODEL: PREDICTORS OF CIVILIAN FIRST RESPONDERS’ SELF-EFFICACY IN HANDLING CRISIS SITUATIONS." (2026). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/oils_etds/77