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LaMontagne AD, Åberg M, Blomqvist S, Glozier N, Greiner BA, Gullestrup J, Harvey SB, Kyron MJ, Madsen IEH, Hanson LM, Maheen H, Mustard C, Niedhammer I, Rugulies R, Smith PM, Taouk Y, Waters S, Witt K, King TL. Work-related suicide: Evolving understandings of etiology & intervention. Am J Ind Med 2024; 67:679-695. [PMID: 38853462 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23624] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Previously published analyses of suicide case investigations suggest that work or working conditions contribute to 10%-13% of suicide deaths. Yet, the way in which work may increase suicide risk is an underdeveloped area of epidemiologic research. In this Commentary, we propose a definition of work-related suicide from an occupational health and safety perspective, and review the case investigation-based and epidemiologic evidence on work-related causes of suicide. We identified six broad categories of potential work-related causes of suicide, which are: (1) workplace chemical, physical, and psychosocial exposures; (2) exposure to trauma on the job; (3) access to means of suicide through work; (4) exposure to high-stigma work environments; (5) exposure to normative environments promoting extreme orientation to work; and (6) adverse experiences arising from work-related injury or illness. We summarise current evidence in a schema of potential work-related causes that can also be applied in workplace risk assessment and suicide case investigations. There are numerous implications of these findings for policy and practice. Various principle- and evidence-based workplace intervention strategies for suicide prevention exist, some of which have been shown to improve suicide-prevention literacy, reduce stigma, enhance helping behaviours, and in some instances maybe even reduce suicide rates. Prevailing practice in workplace suicide prevention, however, overly emphasises individual- and illness-directed interventions, with little attention directed to addressing the working conditions that may increase suicide risk. We conclude that a stronger emphasis on improving working conditions will be required for workplace suicide prevention to reach its full preventive potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony D LaMontagne
- Institute for Health Transformation & School of Health & Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Maria Åberg
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sandra Blomqvist
- Department of Psychology, Stress Research Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nick Glozier
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Jorgen Gullestrup
- Institute for Health Transformation & School of Health & Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Samuel B Harvey
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael J Kyron
- Suicide Prevention and Resilience Research Center (SPARRC), School of Psychological Science, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ida E H Madsen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
- National Institute of Public Health, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Linda Magnusson Hanson
- Department of Psychology, Stress Research Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Humaira Maheen
- Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Isabelle Niedhammer
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Univ Angers, Angers, France
| | - Reiner Rugulies
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Section of Epidemiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter M Smith
- Instutute for Work & Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yamna Taouk
- Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah Waters
- School of Languages, Cultures and Societies, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Katrina Witt
- Orygen Centre for Youth Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tania L King
- Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Hill MA, Paterson JL, Rebar AL. Secondary traumatic stress in partners of paramedics: A scoping review. Australas Emerg Care 2024; 27:1-8. [PMID: 37451885 DOI: 10.1016/j.auec.2023.06.002] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paramedics experience post-traumatic stress in their work, and many paramedics turn to their intimate partner for support. However, exposure to traumatic event details can leave partners vulnerable to secondary traumatic stress. Despite substantial research into reducing stress and improving support for paramedics, few studies have investigated their partners' trauma experiences and support needs. This scoping review aimed to examine evidence regarding secondary traumatic stress in paramedic partners. METHODS The MEDLINE, PsychINFO, CINAHL, EMCare, and Sociology Source Ultimate databases were searched up to November 9, 2022. The results sections of studies published in English involving a sample of paramedic partners that examined the impact of paramedics' work-related exposure to trauma on their intimate partner were extracted for analysis. This scoping review was guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. Key themes were generated using a framework synthesis approach. RESULTS Five qualitative studies and one quantitative study were included, indicating a paucity of literature regarding secondary traumatic stress in paramedic partners. Post-traumatic stress experienced by paramedics can crossover to paramedic partners in the form of secondary traumatic stress; furthermore, it can have widespread effects on couple functioning. While paramedic partners appear to recognise the need for effective coping strategies, they perceive that little support is available to them. Notably, effective strategies aimed at reducing secondary traumatic stress in paramedic partners are limited. CONCLUSION Further research is required to quantify secondary traumatic stress severity in paramedic partners and explore relationships between post-traumatic stress, secondary traumatic stress, and couple functioning. Further, evaluation of partner support needs and barriers to accessing support is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Hill
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Normal Gardens, Queensland, Australia; School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Jessica L Paterson
- Flinders Institute of Mental Health and Wellbeing, College of Education, Psychology & Social Work, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Amanda L Rebar
- Motivation of Health Behaviours Lab, Appleton Institute, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Normal Gardens, Queensland, Australia
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