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Ramadan ZF, Angehrn A, Stelnicki AM, Fletcher AJ, Krätzig GP, Hadjistavropoulos H, Carleton RN. Public safety personnel, personality, and gender. Personality and Individual Differences 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2022.111583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Angehrn A, Fletcher AJ, Carleton RN. "Suck It Up, Buttercup": Understanding and Overcoming Gender Disparities in Policing. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:ijerph18147627. [PMID: 34300078 PMCID: PMC8304614 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Women police officers report elevated symptoms of mental disorders when compared to men police officers. Researchers have indicated that the occupational experience of policing differs greatly among men and women. Indeed, police culture is characterized by hegemonic masculinity, which appears to negatively impact both men and women. The current study examined the contrast between the experiences of men and women police officers. Police officers (n = 17; 9 women) in Saskatchewan participated in semi-structured interviews. Thematic network analysis identified themes related to the experience of policing for both men and women police officers. There were six organizing themes identified in relation to the global theme of Gendered Experiences: (1) Discrimination; (2) Sexual Harassment; (3) Motherhood and Parental Leave; (4) Identity; (5) Stereotypically Feminine Attributes; and (6) Hegemonic Masculinity. Pervasive gender norms appear detrimental for both men and women police officers, as well as the communities they serve. The current results, coupled with the emerging disposition for progress expressed by police services, offer opportunities to develop tailored and focused interventions and policies to support police officers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andréanne Angehrn
- Département de Psychologie, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada
- Correspondence:
| | - Amber J. Fletcher
- Department of Sociology and Social Studies, University of Regina, Regina, SK S4S 0A2, Canada;
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Angehrn A, Vig KD, Mason JE, Stelnicki AM, Shields RE, Asmundson GJG, Carleton RN. Sex differences in mental disorder symptoms among Canadian police officers: the mediating role of social support, stress, and sleep quality. Cogn Behav Ther 2021; 51:3-20. [PMID: 33554743 DOI: 10.1080/16506073.2021.1877338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Police officers, and specifically women officers, report elevated mental disorder rates relative to the general population, which may be impacted by sleep quality, policing-related stress, and social support. In a sample of Canadian police officers, sex was indirectly related to post traumatic stress, depression, generalized anxiety, panic, and social anxiety symptoms through its relationships with social support and sleep quality, but not through policing-related stress. Sex was indirectly related to problematic alcohol use symptoms through sleep quality only. Differences in clinical symptom severity between both sexes may be partially accounted for by the worsened sleep quality reported by women officers relative to their men counterparts. Conversely, general social support appears to be a protective, albeit insufficient, factor influencing the mental health of women police officers. Male and women police officers did not differ in their reports of policing-related stress. The current results underscore the importance of incorporating strategies to improve sleep practices into police workplace environments. Additionally, findings that general social support and policing-related stress do not help explain the trend of increased clinical severity reported by women police suggest that more research is still needed to identify and delineate other contributing factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andréanne Angehrn
- Anxiety and Illness Behaviour Laboratory, University of Regina, Regina, Canada
| | - Kelsey D Vig
- Anxiety and Illness Behaviour Laboratory, University of Regina, Regina, Canada
| | - Julia E Mason
- Anxiety and Illness Behaviour Laboratory, University of Regina, Regina, Canada
| | - Andrea M Stelnicki
- Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment, Regina, Canada
| | - Robyn E Shields
- Anxiety and Illness Behaviour Laboratory, University of Regina, Regina, Canada
| | | | - R Nicholas Carleton
- Anxiety and Illness Behaviour Laboratory, University of Regina, Regina, Canada.,Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment, Regina, Canada
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Bisson Desrochers A, Rouleau I, Angehrn A, Vasiliadis HM, Saumier D, Brunet A. Trauma on duty: cognitive functioning in police officers with and without posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Eur J Psychotraumatol 2021; 12:1959117. [PMID: 34721819 PMCID: PMC8555514 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2021.1959117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuropsychological alterations co-occur with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); yet, the nature and magnitude of such alterations in police officers remains unknown despite their high level of trauma exposure. OBJECTIVE The current research sought to examine (1) cognitive functioning among police officers with and without PTSD; (2) the clinical significance of their cognitive performance; and (3) the relationship between PTSD symptoms and cognition. METHOD Thirty-one police officers with PTSD were compared to thirty age- and sex-matched trauma-exposed officers without PTSD. Clinical assessment and self-report questionnaires established PTSD status. All participants underwent a neuropsychological evaluation. RESULTS Police officers with PTSD displayed lower cognitive performance across several domains, notably executive functioning, verbal learning and memory, and lexical access, compared to controls. The neuropsychological decrements in the PTSD group were mild compared to normative data, with average performances falling within normal limits. Among officers with PTSD, higher levels of intrusion symptoms were associated with reduced efficacy in executive functioning, as well as attention and working memory. Moreover, increased intrusion and avoidance symptoms were associated with slower information processing speed. CONCLUSION Considering that even mild subclinical cognitive difficulties may affect their social and occupational functioning, it appears important to integrate neuropsychological assessments in the clinical management of police officers diagnosed with PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Bisson Desrochers
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Psychosocial Research Division, Douglas Mental Health University Institute Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Isabelle Rouleau
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Andréanne Angehrn
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec àTrois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Helen-Maria Vasiliadis
- Department of Community Health Science, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Daniel Saumier
- Psychosocial Research Division, Douglas Mental Health University Institute Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Alain Brunet
- Psychosocial Research Division, Douglas Mental Health University Institute Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
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Stelnicki AM, Jamshidi L, Angehrn A, Hadjistavropoulos HD, Carleton RN. Associations Between Burnout and Mental Disorder Symptoms Among Nurses in Canada. Can J Nurs Res 2020; 53:254-263. [PMID: 33283544 DOI: 10.1177/0844562120974194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nurses appear to be at a greater risk of burnout compared to other medical professionals. Higher levels of burnout are significantly associated with higher levels of anxiety, stress, and depression symptoms. PURPOSE The current study was designed to estimate levels of burnout among Canadian nurses, examine the association between burnout and mental disorder symptoms, and identify characteristics that may increase the risk for reporting symptoms of burnout. METHOD Canadian nurses (n = 3257; 94.3% women) were surveyed online in both English and French. The survey assessed current symptoms of burnout and mental disorders (i.e., Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder). RESULTS Most nurses (63.2%) reported at least some symptoms of burnout and many (29.3%) reported clinically significant levels of burnout. Age and years of service were the only demographic variables that explained burnout rates. Participants reporting clinically significant levels of burnout were significantly more likely than participants with no burnout to screen positive for all mental disorders, but particularly for Major Depressive Disorder. CONCLUSIONS Monitoring burnout may be an effective way to identify nurses at risk of developing symptoms of mental disorders. Younger and early-career nurses are an important group to target for prevention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M Stelnicki
- Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment, University of Regina, Regina, Canada
| | - Laleh Jamshidi
- Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment, University of Regina, Regina, Canada
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Nurses are regularly exposed to potentially psychologically traumatic events, experience high rates of burnout, and may be at an elevated risk of death by suicide. Few studies have assessed for suicidal behaviors among Canadian nurses, and factors that may increase risk for suicidal behaviors are unknown. PURPOSE The current study was designed to assess past-year and lifetime suicidal behavior (i.e., ideation, plans, and attempts) using a large sample of Canadian nurses. METHOD Participants (n = 3969; 94.3% women) completed an online survey including measures of suicidal behavior and symptoms of mental disorders. RESULTS Considerable proportions of participants reported past-year and/or lifetime suicidal ideation (10.5%, 33.0%), plans (4.6%, 17.0%), and attempts (0.7%, 8.0%), considerably higher than general population estimates. Significant differences were identified across age groups, years of service, marital status, regional location, and nursing type (e.g., registered psychiatric nurses, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses). Participants who screened positive for almost all measured mental disorders had significantly higher rates of suicidal behavior. CONCLUSIONS The results necessitate further research to evaluate risk factors contributing to suicidal behavior in Canadian nurses and methods to decrease the risk (e.g., developing effective monitoring and prevention measures).
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M Stelnicki
- Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT), University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
| | - Laleh Jamshidi
- Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT), University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
| | - Andréanne Angehrn
- Anxiety and Illness Behaviour Lab (AIBL), University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
| | - R Nicholas Carleton
- Anxiety and Illness Behaviour Lab (AIBL), University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
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Angehrn A, Krakauer RL, Carleton RN. The Impact of Intolerance of Uncertainty and Anxiety Sensitivity on Mental Health Among Public Safety Personnel: When the Uncertain is Unavoidable. Cognit Ther Res 2020; 44:919-930. [PMID: 32848288 PMCID: PMC7434797 DOI: 10.1007/s10608-020-10107-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Public safety personnel (PSP; e.g., correctional workers and officers, firefighters, paramedics, police officers, public safety communications officials) are regularly exposed to potentially traumatic events and considerable uncertainty as part of their employment. Canadian PSP screen positively for mental disorders at much higher rates than the general population. Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and anxiety sensitivity (AS) are empirically-supported vulnerability factors associated with the development and maintenance of mental disorders. METHODS The present study was designed to assess IU and AS across PSP-a population regularly encountering uncertainty-with and without mental disorders (n = 4304; 33.3% women), and across normative clinical, community, and undergraduate samples. Further, the study examined the relationship between IU and AS and mental disorders among PSP. RESULTS There were significant differences across groups on IU and AS scores (ps < .001). All PSP, with and without a positive screen for a mental disorder, reported lower IU and AS than clinical samples; however, PSP without mental disorders reported lower IU and AS than all other groups (ps < .001). CONCLUSION Increased resilience or the development of coping skills to manage regular exposures to uncertain threat may help explain why PSP reported low levels of IU and AS despite higher prevalence of mental disorders. Implications for PSP training and treatment are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andréanne Angehrn
- Anxiety and Illness Behaviour Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Regina, SK S4S 0A2 Canada
| | - Rachel L Krakauer
- Anxiety and Illness Behaviour Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Regina, SK S4S 0A2 Canada
| | - R Nicholas Carleton
- Anxiety and Illness Behaviour Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Regina, SK S4S 0A2 Canada
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Angehrn A, Teale Sapach MJN, Ricciardelli R, MacPhee RS, Anderson GS, Carleton RN. Sleep Quality and Mental Disorder Symptoms among Canadian Public Safety Personnel. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:ijerph17082708. [PMID: 32326489 PMCID: PMC7215514 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17082708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Poor sleep quality is associated with numerous mental health concerns and poorer overall physical health. Sleep disturbances are commonly reported by public safety personnel (PSP) and may contribute to the risk of developing mental disorders or exacerbate mental disorder symptoms. The current investigation was designed to provide estimates of sleep disturbances among PSP and explore the relationship between sleep quality and mental health status. PSP completed screening measures for sleep quality and diverse mental disorders through an online survey. Respondents (5813) were grouped into six categories: communications officials, correctional workers, firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Many PSP in each category reported symptoms consistent with clinical insomnia (49-60%). Rates of sleep disturbances differed among PSP categories (p < 0.001, ω = 0.08). Sleep quality was correlated with screening measures for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and alcohol use disorder for all PSP categories (r = 0.18-0.70, p < 0.001). PSP who screened positive for insomnia were 3.43-6.96 times more likely to screen positive for a mental disorder. All PSP reported varying degrees of sleep quality, with the lowest disturbances found among firefighters and municipal/provincial police. Sleep appears to be a potentially important factor for PSP mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andréanne Angehrn
- Anxiety and Illness Behaviours Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Regina, SK S4S 0A2, Canada
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +1-(306)-337-2473; Fax: +1-(306)-337-3275
| | - Michelle J. N. Teale Sapach
- Anxiety and Illness Behaviours Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Regina, SK S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Rosemary Ricciardelli
- Department of Sociology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Saint John’s, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Renée S. MacPhee
- Department of Kinesiology & Physical Education, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON N2L 3C5, Canada
| | - Gregory S. Anderson
- Office of Applied Research and Graduate Studies, Justice Institute of British Columbia, New Westminster, BC V3L 5T4, Canada
| | - R. Nicholas Carleton
- Anxiety and Illness Behaviours Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Regina, SK S4S 0A2, Canada
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