Ruminations and occupational stress as predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder and burnout among police officers

Abstract

The profession of policeman is one of the most stressful. It is associated with exposure to traumatic experiences. This research study aimed to determine the predictors of symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and occupational burnout and to examine how they correlated in policemen. We searched for these predictors in cognitive activity, and specifically in ruminations and perceived job stress. The study was conducted with 120 police officers who have experienced traumatic events related to their job. The study showed that intrusive ruminations serve as a predictor that intensifies PTSD, while certain stressful work conditions are predictors of burnout. The results suggest that numerous mechanisms are at play in the pathogenesis of PTSD and burnout. Police officers cope much better with exposure to traumatic stressors than with stressful work conditions. This leads to a practical conclusion regarding the necessity of preventing the everyday job stress experienced by police officers.

KEYWORDS:

• post-traumatic stress disorder
• burnout
• ruminations
• work-related stress
• police officers

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1 The sum needs to be divided by the number of items included in a variable.

2 The total PCL-5 score needs to be ≥33. For the other criterion, four symptoms were assessed as a score ≥2 (moderate or higher). Furthermore, this needs to concern at least one sympNote 2 has been changed to “For the other criterion, four symptoms … ”. Please check the change conveys the intended meaning or amendtom listed in criteria B and C and at least two symptoms listed in criteria D and E.

3 STS is related to helping individuals who have had traumatic experiences.