Correlates of career traumatization and symptomatology among active-duty police officers

Abstract

This study investigated the relation between posttraumatic distress symptoms, relational and spiritual health, and different types of potentially traumatic incidents common among active-duty police officers (N = 183). Multiple regression analyses showed that greater hyperarousal trauma symptoms were predicted by less effort toward personal relationships and more on-duty assaults resulting in serious injury. Greater avoidance trauma symptoms were predicted by less effort put toward personal relationships and more on-duty assaults resulting in serious injury. Heightened intrusion trauma symptoms were correlated with more on-duty assaults resulting in serious injury. Implications of these findings are discussed.

Keywords:

• police
• posttraumatic stress disorder
• trauma
• symptoms
• occupational
• law enforcement