Effects of police officer exposure to traumatic experiences and recognizing the stigma associated with police officer mental health

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review current research on police officer mental health and to explore the reasons why police officers do not seek mental health treatment. Design/methodology/approach A comprehensive, systematic search of multiple academic databases (e.g. EBSCO Host) were used to identify studies conducted within the USA, identified definitions of first responders, identified the type of duty-related trauma expected by police officers, how influential stigma is amongst the police culture and what current intervention strategies are employed to assist police officer mental health wellness. Findings This research was conducted to identify police officer trauma-related mental health and the stigma behind seeking treatment. The research highlights job-related trauma and stress leads to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, substance use disorder and suicide or suicide ideation. The stigma behind seeking mental health treatment is associated with law enforcement organizations and environmental factors. Organizational factors include occupational stress characteristics such as day-to-day of the job and environmental factors such as abiding by social and law enforcement culture ideologies. Further research should be conducted to understand why law enforcing agencies and personnel are unknowingly promoting stigmas. Originality/value This is the most current meta-review of research examining the severity of mental health in police officers, the stigma behind acquiring treatment and innovative treatment approaches in police officer mental health. This study will provide a useful resource for those researchers interested in continuing to examine the different aspects of police officer mental health and how to potently approach innovative interventions to help law enforcement personals mental wellness thrive in a field where trauma is experienced daily.

Profiles of U.S. Law Enforcement Officers’ Physical, Psychological, and Behavioral Health: Results From a Nationally Representative Survey of Officers

“…Exposure to critical incidents in policing as well as organizational stressors gives rise, for some officers, to stress, anxiety and depression (Acquadro Maran et al., 2015; Bishopp et al., 2018; Husain, 2020; Kleim & Westphal, 2011; Velazquez & Hernandez, 2019). For example, stress and anxiety may arise as a consequence of workplace injuries (West et al., 2017) or in association with shiftwork and sleep patterns (Gerber et al., 2010).…”

“…Department of Justice, 2020). The daily risks during routine operations, plus risks associated with major natural or man-made disasters, are recognized to have an impact on officer mental health and behavioral outcomes in the short and long-term (Regehr et al., 2019; Velazquez & Hernandez, 2019). A recent systematic review suggests that police officers’ exposure to occupational health hazards often arise from accidents, chemicals, needle sticks, unacceptable noise levels, air pollutants, and the muscular challenges of extended periods of driving and/or lifting heavy objects, as well as critical incidents such as exposure to an abused child or being trapped in a life threatening situation (Mona et al., 2019).…”

Backing the Blue in the Midst of COVID-19: Simultaneous Shared Trauma and the Effects of Coping in Law Enforcement Couples

“…Additionally, the socialization processes of policing poses challenges with emotion-focused coping as officers are expected to display a type of “masculinity” that views any emotional response as synonymous to weakness (Conti 2009 ; Farrell et al 2018 ; Stoughton 2015 ; Velazquez and Hernandez 2019 ). As such, they are expected to be “warriors” while performing under extreme stress.…”

Observational Behavior Assessment for Psychological Competencies in Police Officers: A Proposed Methodology for Instrument Development

“…The concern with pre-employment assessment of psychological traits is thus that police organization measure properties once, while they are not stable over time. Current psychological testing methods fail to inform police organizations about the police officers’ risk of experiencing, developing, or abating psychological complaints after hire ( Velazquez and Hernandez, 2019 ).…”