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                            Library & Multimedia
 Stress doesn't kill us, it's our reaction: exploring the relationship between coping mechanisms and correctional officer PTSD
NCJ Number
              307584
Journal

*Criminal Justice Studies* Volume: 34 Issue: 4 Dated: 2021 Pages: 380-396
Author(s)
          Katie Hughes Taylor;
                        Kristin Swartz
Date Published

2021
Length
              17 pages
Annotation
              This study assessed whether coping mechanisms affected the severity of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among correctional officers.
Abstract
              This study examines officer coping mechanisms and whether they impact the severity of PTSD symptoms among a group of approximately 245 correctional officers across seven adult state institutions from one Southern state. The study explores whether multiple problem-focused and emotion-focused coping mechanisms are associated with the level of PTSD symptoms experienced by CO's. Results indicated multiple problem- and emotion-focused coping mechanisms were significantly related to PTSD symptoms, even when controlling for exposure to violence and trauma, ACEs, and other controls. Developing research demonstrates that correctional officers (CO's) are at a higher risk for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) than the general population, less is known about the relationship between how CO's cope with stress. Most CO's will be exposed to chronic stress and trauma while working in prisons, with approximately one-third of CO's eventually suffering from PTSD. It is important to explore the relationship between coping and PTSD because if certain coping styles are associated with different levels of PTSD, this could be used to inform training and programming for officers. The study controlled for exposure to violence and trauma experienced while on the job and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Implications these findings have for practice, and directions for future research are discussed. (Published Abstract Provided)
      
  
          Additional Details
Grant Number(s)
        2017-R2-CX-0035


  
  
        
  Agencies
        NIJ-Sponsored


  
  
        
  Publication Type
        Research (Applied/Empirical)


  
  
        
  Award
        Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Correctional Officers: A Biopsychosocial Approach
    
  
  
Date Published: January 1, 2021
    
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