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Collins DAJ, Bryant RA, Gayed A, Harvey SB, Deady M. Relationship between trauma, psychological distress and help-seeking among corrective service workers. Occup Environ Med 2024; 81:217-219. [PMID: 38604659 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2023-109361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Corrective service workers (CSWs) are at high risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health problems. Prevalence rates and help-seeking behaviours are under-researched within this population. AIMS To assess rates of PTSD and distress, and identify predictors of intention to seek help, among workers at an Australian corrective service agency. METHODS A cross-sectional online survey was used to collect data on staff demographics, employment, PTSD symptoms and current distress. Participants received a tailored feedback report including referral to relevant mental health services (where applicable) and were asked to indicate their likelihood of seeking help. Prevalence data are reported. Binary logistic regression was used to examine relationships between participant characteristics and help-seeking for those with probable PTSD and/or high psychological distress. RESULTS Participants (n=1001) were predominantly men (56.8%) with a mean age of 46.72 (SD=11.00). Over half (58.0%) were classified as probable PTSD cases, and one-third (33.0%) were experiencing high psychological distress. Around a third (34.3%) of participants with probable PTSD and/or elevated distress indicated they were likely to seek help. Older age and fewer years of service were associated with increased help-seeking intentions. CONCLUSIONS CSWs were found to be experiencing probable PTSD at higher rates than reported in previous studies. Relatively few intended to seek help from mental health services, despite being provided with personalised screening and feedback along with access to specialised care. Future research should investigate the potential role of organisational support as a facilitator of help-seeking within this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A J Collins
- Black Dog Institute, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
- Medicine & Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Richard A Bryant
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Aimee Gayed
- Black Dog Institute, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
- Medicine & Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Samuel B Harvey
- Black Dog Institute, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
- Medicine & Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark Deady
- Black Dog Institute, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
- Medicine & Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Andersen LP, Jaspers S, Andersen D, Karlsen I, Aust B. A participatory and comprehensive intervention to improve violence prevention in two high-risk occupations: effect and process evaluation of a stepped wedge cluster randomised trial. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1043. [PMID: 38622564 PMCID: PMC11017600 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18527-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Work-related violence committed by clients, patients, and customers represents a major occupational health risk for employees that needs to be reduced. METHODS We tested a comprehensive violence prevention intervention involving active participation of both employees and managers in the Prison and Probation Service (PPS) and on psychiatric wards in Denmark. We used a stepped wedge cluster randomised controlled trial design. We measured the degree of implementation of the intervention by registration of fidelity, reach, and dose and used a mixed-effects regression analysis to estimate the effects of the intervention. RESULTS We recruited 16 work units for the intervention, but three work units dropped out. The average implementation rate was 73%. In the psychiatric wards, the intervention led to statistically significant improvements in the primary outcome (an increase in the degree to which managers and employees continuously work on violence prevention practices based on their registration and experiences), but none statistically significant improvements in any of the secondary outcomes. In the PPS units, the intervention did not lead to a statistically significant improvement in the primary outcome, but to statistically significant improvements in three secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION Most work units were able to carry out the intervention as planned. The intervention showed mixed results regarding the primary outcome. Nevertheless, the results indicate improvements also in the sector where a change in the primary outcome was not achieved. The results point at that a participatory and comprehensive approach could be a viable way of working with violence prevention in high-risk workplaces. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN86993466: 20/12/2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Peter Andersen
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Centre, University Research Clinic, Goedstrup Hospital, Hospitalsparken 15, 7400, Herning, Denmark.
| | - S Jaspers
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - D Andersen
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Centre, University Research Clinic, Goedstrup Hospital, Hospitalsparken 15, 7400, Herning, Denmark
| | - I Karlsen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - B Aust
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
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Wang J, Huang Y, Wang S, Zhang Z, He Y, Wang X, Guo H. The impact of workplace violence on job burnout among Chinese correctional officers: the chain mediating effects of stress and insomnia. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:566. [PMID: 38388879 PMCID: PMC10885376 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18048-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The risk of workplace violence and job burnout among Chinese correctional officers is high. Stress and insomnia may influence the relationship between workplace violence and job burnout; however, this influence has been rarely studied. This study aimed to explore the effect of workplace violence on job burnout among Chinese correctional officers and to assess the contribution of stress and insomnia to this effect. METHODS In this study, the workplace violence scale, the Assens insomnia scale, the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey scale were used to assess the workplace violence, insomnia, stress, and job burnout experienced by the 472 correctional officers, respectively. RESULTS The results showed that (1) workplace violence was significantly and positively predictive of job burnout, (2) workplace violence affected job burnout through the mediation of stress, (3) workplace violence affected job burnout through the mediation of insomnia, and (4) stress and insomnia played fully interlocking mediating roles in the effect of workplace violence on job burnout. CONCLUSION Stress and insomnia may play a full mediating role in the relationship between workplace violence and job burnout. This suggested that correctional officers may take measures to reduce stress and improve insomnia, thereby reducing their job burnout. Further research may focus on the development of effective interventions to reduce stress and improve insomnia among correctional officers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jizhi Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Ying Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Siyuan Wang
- Pingtang Compulsory Isolation Detoxification Institute in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Yuqiong He
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoping Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Changsha, China.
| | - Huijuan Guo
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Changsha, China.
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Coulling R, Johnston MS, Ricciardelli R. "We must be mentally strong": exploring barriers to mental health in correctional services. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1258944. [PMID: 38323157 PMCID: PMC10844506 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1258944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The inherent nature of work in correctional services can have negative effects on correctional worker mental health and well-being. Methods The current study, a replication, analyzes survey data collected from provincial and territorial correctional workers staffed in six regions across Canada (n = 192). Specifically, participants were asked at the end of an extensive mental health and well-being survey an open-ended question requesting any additional feedback or information. Results Four predominant themes were identified in the data: (1) stigma pertaining to a need to recognize mental health concerns within correctional services; (2) the idea that correctional services wear on the mind and body; (3) a need for better relationships with and support from correctional supervisors, upper management, and ministerial leadership; and (4) suggestions to improve correctional services to help the sector realize its full potential and maximize workplace health. Discussion We discuss the implications of these findings, with an emphasis on finding ways to promote positive organizational and cultural change in correctional services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Coulling
- Providence University College and Theological Seminary, Otterburne, MB, Canada
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Schwartz JA, Granger DA, Calvi JL, Jodis CA, Steiner B. The Implications of Stress Among Correctional Officers: A Summary of the Risks and Promising Intervention Strategies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OFFENDER THERAPY AND COMPARATIVE CRIMINOLOGY 2023:306624X231213316. [PMID: 38124325 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x231213316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
This paper provides a detailed summary and discussion of the concept of stress and how it relates to the health, wellbeing, and performance of corrections officers. In line with these objectives, we focus on three areas: (1) providing a more detailed definition of the concept of stress; (2) a discussion of the ways that increased exposure to stress may impact corrections officers' physical and mental health; and (3) a summary of prevention and intervention strategies that are relevant for corrections officers and have shown promise in dampening the consequences of increased stress exposure. More in-depth knowledge of the concept of stress and the underlying processes that link stress to negative outcomes will provide policy makers and corrections departments with an understanding of the characteristics of prevention and intervention strategies that are expected to be most effective in limiting the consequences of stress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Douglas A Granger
- The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- University of California, Irvine, USA
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Alward LM, Viglione J. Individual Characteristics and Organizational Attributes: An Assessment of Probation Officer Burnout and Turnover Intent. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OFFENDER THERAPY AND COMPARATIVE CRIMINOLOGY 2023:306624X231159882. [PMID: 36896872 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x231159882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, Western and non-Western countries have experience increased reliance on probation services. However, prior research indicates that high job demands and ambiguous role responsibilities invoke feelings of stress and suggest the importance of understanding the relationship between stress and burnout and turnover. While past efforts largely focused on correctional officers (COs), less is known about how probation officers (POs) experience burnout and how organizational attributes may influence this relationship. Using survey data of federal POs (N = 80) across eight offices in a southern state, the current study examines the influence of individual characteristics and organizational attributes in predicting burnout and turnover intent. To answer our research questions, we perform a series of linear regression models. Findings suggest the importance of affective commitment for reducing POs' feelings of burnout and turnover intent. Implications of these findings and directions of future research are discussed.
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"The Story I Will Never Forget": Critical Incident Narratives in Surgical Residency. Ann Surg 2023; 277:e496-e502. [PMID: 34534986 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000005219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We sought to better understand what defines a critical incident experience for the surgical trainee. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA Critical incidents are formative moments stamped indelibly on one's memory that shape professional identity. The critical incident technique-using participants' narratives to identify patterns and learn from their perceptions-has been explored in some healthcare settings, but there has been no inquiry within surgery. METHODS Surgical residents at 5 residency programs (1 community, 1 university-affiliated, 3 university) were surveyed using an online questionnaire from November to December 2020. Convenience sampling was used to identify the study population. Participants were invited to write about formative, impactful experiences in training. Interpretive description was the qualitative methodology used to locate information, analyze, and record patterns in the data. Individual responses were categorized and assessed for overlying themes. RESULTS Overall, 28 narratives were collected from surgery residents in 3 specialties (general surgery, plastic surgery, and urology), with postgraduate year representation of post-graduate years 1 to 6. Respondents were 40% female. Nineteen of the narratives reported a negative experience. Four themes were identified from responses: 1) growth through personal self-reflection, 2) difficult interpersonal interactions, 3) positive team dynamics as a psychological safety net, and 4) supportive program cultures that promote learning. CONCLUSIONS Critical incident narratives among surgical residents indicate that unforgettable and formative experiences-both positive and negative- occur in 4 domains: within the individual, within a relationship, among a team, and within a program. Further exploring these domains in surgical training will inform optimal educational programming to support trainee development and wellbeing.
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Allison P, Tiesman HM, Wong IS, Bernzweig D, James L, James SM, Navarro KM, Patterson PD. Working hours, sleep, and fatigue in the public safety sector: A scoping review of the research. Am J Ind Med 2022; 65:878-897. [PMID: 35711032 PMCID: PMC9851314 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The public safety sector includes law enforcement officers (LEO), corrections officers (CO), firefighter service (FF), wildland firefighting (WFF), and emergency medical services (EMS), as defined in the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Across these occupations, shiftwork, long-duration shifts, and excessive overtime are common. Our objective was to identify research gaps related to working hours, sleep, and fatigue among these workers. METHODS We used a scoping review study design that included searches of MEDLINE, Embase, CAB Abstracts, Global Health, PsychInfo, CINAHL, Scopus, Academic Search Complete, Agricultural and Environmental Science Collection, ProQuest Central, Cochrane Library, Safety Lit, Homeland Security Digital Library, and Sociological Abstracts using a range of occupational search terms and terms related to working hours, sleep, and fatigue. RESULTS Out of 3415 articles returned from our database search, 202 met all inclusion criteria. Six common outcomes related to working hours, sleep, and fatigue emerged: sleep, fatigue, work performance, injury, psychosocial stress, and chronic disease. Nearly two-thirds (59%, n = 120) of the studies were observational, of which 64% (n = 77) were cross sectional and 9% were (n = 11) longitudinal; 14% (n = 30) of the studies were reviews; and 19% (n = 39) were experimental or quasi-experimental studies. Only 25 of the 202 articles described mitigation strategies or interventions. FFs, LEOs, EMS, and WFFs were the most studied, followed by COs. CONCLUSIONS In general, more longitudinal and experimental studies are needed to enrich the knowledge base on the consequences of long working hours, poor sleep, and fatigue in the public safety sector. Few experimental studies have tested novel approaches to fatigue mitigation in diverse sectors of public safety. This gap in research limits the decisions that may be made by employers to address fatigue as a threat to public-safety worker health and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penelope Allison
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Hope M. Tiesman
- Division of Safety Research, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Imelda S. Wong
- Division of Science Integration, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - David Bernzweig
- Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Lois James
- Sleep and Performance Research Center, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington, USA
| | - Stephen M. James
- Sleep and Performance Research Center, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington, USA
| | - Kathleen M. Navarro
- Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - P. Daniel Patterson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Wizner K, Cunningham K, Gaspar FW, Dewa CS, Grunert B. Occupational posttraumatic stress disorder and workplace violence in workers' compensation claims. J Trauma Stress 2022; 35:1368-1380. [PMID: 35429412 PMCID: PMC9790626 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Acts of violence are the fifth leading cause of nonfatal occupational injuries in the United States. Experiencing a traumatic event at work can have serious mental health consequences, including the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study aimed to quantify the prevalence of PTSD caused by workplace violence (WPV) in a statewide workers' compensation system and compare the outcomes and treatment of WPV cases versus those caused by other traumatic events. Using a retrospective cohort study design, workers who reported PTSD as the primary reason for a workers' compensation claim and had no coexisting physical injuries were found in California during 2009-2018. A total of 3,772 PTSD cases were identified, 48.9% of which were attributed to WPV. Demographic risk factors associated with WPV PTSD included lower income, younger age, female gender, and employment in retail or finance, p < .001-p = .007. For individuals who returned to work, claims due to WPV resulted in longer medically approved time away from work than non-WPV causes (Mdn = 132.5 days vs. Mdn = 91 days, respectively), p < .001. Three of the top 10 most frequently prescribed medications were administered against evidence-based guidelines. This study found that many treatments prescribed to PTSD patients are based on insufficient evidence, and the provision of existing empirically supported treatments is needed, particularly in generalized populations. The findings support the need for additional recognition of the cause of workplace PTSD to facilitate appropriate referrals to WPV or PTSD specialists to support return-to-work efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerri Wizner
- MDGuidelinesReedGroup Ltd.WestminsterColoradoUSA
| | - Katherine Cunningham
- Mental Health and Behavioral MedicineVeterans Affairs Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care SystemHarlingenTexasUSA
| | | | - Carolyn S. Dewa
- Department of Psychology and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaDavis; SacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Brad Grunert
- Departments of Plastic Surgery and Psychiatry and Behavioral MedicineMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWisconsinUSA
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Jaegers LA, El Ghaziri M, Katz IM, Ellison JM, Vaughn MG, Cherniack MG. Critical incident exposure among custody and noncustody correctional workers: Prevalence and impact of violent exposure to work-related trauma. Am J Ind Med 2022; 65:500-511. [PMID: 35383425 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Correctional workers are at high risk for exposure to trauma, both as direct violence and as threats to their safety and well-being. The distress associated with these critical incidents (CIs) affects mental and physical health. Current tools are limited for detecting CIs in this workforce and are therefore insufficient for addressing correctional worker trauma. METHODS Community prison employees (N = 105) self-reported CIs using the adapted Correctional Worker Critical Incident Survey (CWCIS). We examined: (1) prevalence of CIs and occurrences, (2) differences in exposures to CIs by custody and noncustody staff, and (3) differences in job satisfaction, posttraumatic stress (PTSD), lower back disease, and health behaviors, such as missed work and sleep. RESULTS CIs occurred among most staff (59%) and more often for custody staff as compared to noncustody staff. CIs most often experienced were coworker injury, exposure to disease, and badly beaten adults (frequency 10-50). For the 1-9 frequency category, the most described events were: seeing someone dying, life threatened, and coworker injury. PTSD was identified in 44% of staff, and those who experienced CIs reported lower job satisfaction, greater feelings of PTSD, and more work absences than those not experiencing CIs (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS CIs and PTSD are prevalent among custody and noncustody correctional workers; and job dissatisfaction, PTSD, and work absence are significantly worse for those who experienced CIs. The CWCIS detected CIs; future study is needed to inform trauma prevention, reduction, and rehabilitation interventions specific to correctional work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A. Jaegers
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Doisy College of Health Sciences Saint Louis University St. Louis Missouri USA
- School of Social Work, College for Public Health and Social Justice Saint Louis University St. Louis Missouri USA
| | - Mazen El Ghaziri
- Susan and Alan Solomont School of Nursing University of Massachusetts Lowell Lowell Massachusetts USA
| | - Ian M. Katz
- Department of Psychology, College of Sciences Old Dominion University Norfolk Virginia USA
| | - Jared M. Ellison
- Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, College of Arts and Letters Old Dominion University Norfolk Virginia USA
| | - Michael G. Vaughn
- School of Social Work, College for Public Health and Social Justice Saint Louis University St. Louis Missouri USA
| | - Martin G. Cherniack
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine University of Connecticut Health Center Farmington Connecticut USA
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Ricciardelli R, McKendy L, Jamshidi L, Carleton RN. Mental Health Disorders and Suicidal Behaviors Among Provincial Correctional Workers. J Occup Environ Med 2022; 64:504-509. [PMID: 35051959 PMCID: PMC9275842 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We examined the prevalence ofmental health disorders and suicidal behaviors (ideation, planning, and attempts) among a sample of provincial correctional workers in Manitoba. METHODS Self-reported mental health data from a survey on correctional worker mental health and well-being were analyzed for 491 correctional workers. RESULTS Over half (57%) of respondents screened positive for mental health disorder, most commonly major depressive disorder, and over one-third of respondents (37%) screened positive for more than one disorder. Positive mental health screens for all mental health disorders were associated with statistically significantly increased odds of lifetime suicidal ideation, and positive screens for most disorders were associated with past year suicidal ideation. CONCLUSIONS Relative to other public safety personnel and the general public, correctional workers appear have a higher prevalence of mental health disorders and suicidal behaviors. The association between positive screens for mental health disorders and suicidal behaviors highlights the vulnerability of correctional workers in regards to mental well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary Ricciardelli
- From the Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, Newfoundland (Dr Ricciardelli, Dr McKendy); University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan (Dr Jamshidi, Dr Carleton), Canada
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Konyk K, Ricciardelli R, Taillieu T, Afifi TO, Groll D, Carleton RN. Assessing Relative Stressors and Mental Disorders among Canadian Provincial Correctional Workers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:10018. [PMID: 34639320 PMCID: PMC8508585 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
In the current study, we quantified the mean stress levels of 43 occupational stressors for 868 Correctional Workers (CWs) and analyzed the relationships between occupational stressors, exposure to potentially psychologically traumatic events (PPTEs), and mental health disorders. Our findings emphasize the importance of the occupational environment in relation to CW mental health and indicate that occupational stressors (e.g., staff shortages, inconsistent leadership style, bureaucratic red tape) are more salient contributors to CW mental health than exposure to PPTEs. Finding strategies to ameliorate staff shortages, improve leadership style and communication, and support CWs to maintain physical, mental, and social well-being would be interventions tied to significant organizational and operational stressors within the current study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy Konyk
- School of Social Work, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1E3, Canada;
| | - Rosemary Ricciardelli
- Department of Sociology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Tamara Taillieu
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W3, Canada; (T.T.); (T.O.A.)
| | - Tracie O. Afifi
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W3, Canada; (T.T.); (T.O.A.)
| | - Dianne Groll
- Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada;
| | - R. Nicholas Carleton
- Department of Psychology, Anxiety and Illness Behaviours Laboratory, University of Regina, Regina, SK S4S 0A2, Canada;
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Andersen LPS, Hogh A, Andersen JH, Biering K. Depressive Symptoms Following Work-Related Violence and Threats and the Modifying Effect of Organizational Justice, Social Support, and Safety Perceptions. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2021; 36:7110-7135. [PMID: 30827135 DOI: 10.1177/0886260519831386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Work-related threats and violence is a major occupational hazard and the consequences for victims may be a range of physical and psychological symptoms. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between exposure to work-related violence and threats and subsequent risk for depression and to examine whether the associations were modified by social support, organizational justice and safety perceptions. Questionnaire data was collected in 2010, 2011 and in 2015. A total of 5,342 employees from special schools, psychiatric wards, eldercare and the Prison and Probation Services (PPS) participated in the first round in 2010. The analysis was performed by multivariate logistic regression. Staff exposed for work-related threats and violence had an increased risk for depression compared to non-exposed staff. The risk was highest for staff working in PPS. Compared to low levels, there were a tendency for high levels of social support, organizational justice and safety perception to attenuate the associations between work-related threats and violence and depression. However, none of the differences were statistically significant. Many employees working in human service sectors are exposed to work-related threats and violence which increases the risk for depression. The risk for depression following work-related threats and violence may be modified by social support, organizational justice and the perception of safety workplace. It is recommended that workplaces adopt an integrated organizational approach including both prevention of work-related threats and violence and intervention to modify the health consequences of work-related threats and violence.
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Lee W, Lee YR, Yoon JH, Lee HJ, Kang MY. Occupational post-traumatic stress disorder: an updated systematic review. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:768. [PMID: 32448255 PMCID: PMC7245752 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-08903-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although numerous studies on occupational post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been conducted prior to the 1950-2010 seminal systematic review by Skogstad et al., the prevalence, risk factors, and impact of this disorder following traumatic events in occupational settings remain unclear. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by reviewing the literature published after 2010. METHODS We reviewed literature from databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar using PRISMA guidelines to identify studies that address occupational PTSD and examined the status (prevalence or incidence), the risk factors, and the health effects of PTSD among workers. RESULTS In total, 123 articles were identified, and finally, 31 (25.2%) articles were selected after excluding duplicates. Various occupational traumatic physical events were reported such as natural or manmade disaster, explosion, accident, handling refugee corpses, or bullying at work. Risk of PTSD was closely associated with working conditions, severity of injury, history of mental disorder, occurrence of psychiatric symptoms at the time of the event, personality, interpersonal relationships, etc. Workers with PTSD were likely to experience a deterioration of physical and psychological health and impairment of social and occupational functioning. CONCLUSIONS Our review suggests that many workers remain highly vulnerable to occupational PTSD and its consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanhyung Lee
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yi-Ryoung Lee
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222, Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Ha Yoon
- The Institute for Occupational Health, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Ji Lee
- Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Mo-Yeol Kang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222, Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea.
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Jaegers LA, Matthieu MM, Vaughn MG, Werth P, Katz IM, Ahmad SO. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Job Burnout Among Jail Officers. J Occup Environ Med 2019; 61:505-510. [PMID: 31167223 PMCID: PMC6557353 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom prevalence and health characteristics among jail correctional officers, a generally understudied population of public safety workers. METHOD A Conservation of Resources (COR)-inspired framework explored relationships to PTSD symptoms among jail officers (N = 320) employed in Midwest US jails. RESULTS More than half (53.4%) of jail officers screened positively for PTSD. Hierarchical regression analysis indicates that burnout was a significant predictor of symptoms of PTSD (B = 0.25, P < 0.001). Self-efficacy (B = -0.42, P < 0.01), emotional labor (B = 0.20, P < 0.01), and an anxiety- or depression-related diagnosis (B = 0.92, P < 0.001) remained significant predictors of PTSD-related symptoms in the final step. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the potentially high prevalence and impact of PTSD among jail officers, and offer implications for public safety workplace health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A. Jaegers
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Saint Louis University, Doisy College of Health Sciences
- School of Social Work, Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice
| | - Monica M. Matthieu
- School of Social Work, Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice
| | - Michael G. Vaughn
- School of Social Work, Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice
| | - Paul Werth
- Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Department of Psychology, Saint Louis University College of Arts & Sciences
| | - Ian M. Katz
- Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Department of Psychology, Saint Louis University College of Arts & Sciences
| | - Syed Omar Ahmad
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Saint Louis University, Doisy College of Health Sciences
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