NIOSHTIC-2 Publications Search

Police stress and posttraumatic stress disorder: the role of coping.

Ma CC; Andrew ME; Mnatsakanova A; Hartley TA; Fekedulegn D; McCanlies E; Gu JK; Violanti JM; Burchfiel CM

Ann Epidemiol 2014 Sep; 24(9):687

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annepidem.2014.06.030

20045190

Purpose: We investigated the cross-sectional associations between police stress and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and the role of coping. Methods: A total score from PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C), a 17- item self-report questionnaire, was used for PTSD assessment in 342 officers. Job stress was assessed using the 60-item Spielberger Police Stress Survey. Mean stress indices were computed by averaging the products of the stress rating (0-100) and frequency (events occurring in the previous year to the date of examination) for total and stress subscales including administrative pressure, physical/psychological threats, and lack of support. Active and passive coping scores were derived from the Brief COPE. Simple and multiple linear regression models were used in the analyses. Results: PTSD symptoms were positively associated with total stress (B=0.016, p<0.001) and each stress subscale (administrative pressure: B=0.012, p<0.001; physical/psychological threats: B=0.013, p<0.001; lack of support: B=0.016, p<0.001) after adjustment for age, gender, race/ethnicity, smoking, and alcohol. These associations were stronger in officers with a lower active coping score compared with those who had a higher active coping score, and in officers having a higher passive coping score compared with those who had a lower passive coping score. Conclusion: Work-related stress was independently associated with PTSD, particularly in officers who had a low active and high passive coping score.

Police-officers; Stress; Physiological-effects; Questionnaires; Law-enforcement; Law-enforcement-workers; Psychological-effects; Psychology; Psychological-stress; Models; Workers; Work-environment; Work-analysis; Statistical-analysis

ANNPE3

20140901

Abstract

2014

M102014

9

1047-2797

HELD

Public Safety

Annals of Epidemiology

WV; NY