scholarly journals Mental health and social support among public safety personnel

2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (6) ◽  
pp. 427-433
Author(s):  
K D Vig ◽  
J E Mason ◽  
R N Carleton ◽  
G J G Asmundson ◽  
G S Anderson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Police Officers ◽  
Public Safety ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Public Safety Personnel ◽  
Safety Personnel

Abstract Background Social support may be a protective factor for the mental health of public safety personnel (PSP), who are frequently exposed to potentially psychologically traumatic events and report substantial post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) symptoms. Research examining perceived social support and its association with PTSD and MDD in different PSP categories (e.g. firefighters, paramedics) is limited. Aims To examine differences in perceived social support across PSP and determine whether perceived social support is associated with differences in rates of MDD and PTSD. Methods We asked Canadian PSP, including correctional workers and officers, public safety communications officials, firefighters, paramedics, municipal and provincial police officers, and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers, to complete an online anonymous survey that assessed socio-demographic information (e.g. occupation, sex, marital status, service years), social supports and symptoms of mental disorders, including PTSD and MDD. Analyses included ANOVA and logistic regression models. Results Perceived social support differed by PSP occupation. RCMP officers reported lower social support than all other PSP except paramedics. For most PSP categories, PSP who reported greater social support were less likely to screen positive for PTSD (adjusted odds ratios [AORs]: 0.90–0.93). Across all PSP categories, greater perceived social support was associated with a decreased likelihood of screening positive for MDD (AORs: 0.85–0.91). Conclusions Perceived social support differs across some PSP categories and predicts PTSD and MDD diagnostic status. Studies involving diagnostic clinical interviews, longitudinal designs and social support interventions are needed to replicate and extend our results.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Before Operational Stress: A Program to Support Mental Health and Proactive Psychological Protection in Public Safety Personnel

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea M. Stelnicki ◽  
Laleh Jamshidi ◽  
Amber J. Fletcher ◽  
R. Nicholas Carleton
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Police Officers ◽  
Public Safety ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Operational Stress ◽  
Public Safety Personnel ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Safety Personnel

Public safety personnel (PSP; e.g., communications officials, corrections workers, firefighters, paramedics, and police officers) are at risk of developing mental health problems due to experiencing potentially psychologically traumatic events during their career. Research examining evidence-based treatments for psychological injuries resulting from operational duties (also known as operational stress injuries) has not yielded robust results that would indicate ongoing interventions as the best solution for managing PSP mental health injuries; as such, proactive psychological interventions designed to bolster resilience are being considered potentially beneficial for mitigating the impact of occupational stress on PSP. Despite the growing popularity of resilience programs, most are delivered in a single session after an event deemed particularly problematic with no follow-up. Longer interventions may better support sustained resiliency, mitigate the impact of operational stress, and increase positive PSP workplace outcomes. The current article introduces the Before Operational Stress (BOS) program, which was designed for delivery early in a PSP career to enhance self-awareness and healthy relationships. The year-long program is derived from cognitive behavior therapy and group therapeutic techniques to meet program objectives. The current BOS program evaluation demonstrated small, statistically significant improvements in symptoms of PTSD, quality of life, stigma, and perceived social support from baseline (Time 1) to 6 months (Time 4). There were also non-significant improvements observed in symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, alcohol use, as well as in emotional regulation and resilience. Qualitative results indicated participants positively perceived the BOS program, with participants reporting specific improvements in self-awareness, avoidant behaviors, and relationships with family and colleagues. The BOS program content (e.g., functional disconnection and functional reconnection) and processes (e.g., psychoeducation within a supportive learning structure; mutually empowering group interactions) appear unique relative to other PSP resilience programs, with promising initial results in support of PSP mental health. Recommendations for future research and program development are provided.

scholarly journals Compromised Conscience: A Scoping Review of Moral Injury Among Firefighters, Paramedics, and Police Officers

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liana M. Lentz ◽  
Lorraine Smith-MacDonald ◽  
David Malloy ◽  
R. Nicholas Carleton ◽  
Suzette Brémault-Phillips
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
Police Officers ◽  
Public Safety ◽  
Moral Distress ◽  
Ethical Decision Making ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Moral Injury ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Public Safety Personnel ◽  
Safety Personnel

BackgroundPublic Safety Personnel (e.g., firefighters, paramedics, and police officers) are routinely exposed to human suffering and need to make quick, morally challenging decisions. Such decisions can affect their psychological wellbeing. Participating in or observing an event or situation that conflicts with personal values can potentially lead to the development of moral injury. Common stressors associated with moral injury include betrayal, inability to prevent death or harm, and ethical dilemmas. Potentially psychologically traumatic event exposures and post-traumatic stress disorder can be comorbid with moral injury; however, moral injury extends beyond fear to include spiritual, cognitive, emotional or existential struggles, which can produce feelings of severe shame, guilt, and anger.ObjectiveThis scoping review was designed to identify the extant empirical research regarding the construct of moral injury, its associated constructs, and how it relates to moral distress in firefighters, paramedics, and police officers.MethodsA systematic literature search of peer-reviewed research was conducted using databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, APA PsychInfo, CINHAL PLUS, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar. Included studies were selected based on the inclusion criteria before being manually extracted and independently screened by two reviewers.ResultsThe initial database search returned 777 articles, 506 of which remained after removal of duplicates. Following review of titles, abstracts, and full texts, 32 studies were included in the current review. Participants in the articles were primarily police officers, with fewer articles focusing on paramedics and firefighters. There were two studies that included mixed populations (i.e., one study with police officers, firefighters, and other emergency service workers; one study with paramedic and firefighter incident commanders). Most studies were qualitative and focused on four topics: values, ethical decision-making, organizational betrayal, and spirituality.ConclusionPublic safety organizations appear to recognize the experience of moral distress or moral injury among public safety personnel that results from disconnects between personal core values, formal and informal organizational values, vocational duties, and expectations. Further research is needed to better understand moral distress or moral injury specific to public safety personnel and inform training and treatment in support of public safety personnel mental health.

scholarly journals Assessing the Relative Impact of Diverse Stressors among Public Safety Personnel

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 1234 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Nicholas Carleton ◽  
Tracie O. Afifi ◽  
Tamara Taillieu ◽  
Sarah Turner ◽  
Julia E. Mason ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Leadership Style ◽  
Police Officers ◽  
Call Center ◽  
Public Safety ◽  
Mental Health Disorder ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Occupational Stressors ◽  
Public Safety Personnel ◽  
Safety Personnel

Public Safety Personnel (PSP; e.g., correctional workers and officers, firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and public safety communications officials (e.g., call center operators/dispatchers)) are regularly exposed to potentially psychologically traumatic events (PPTEs). PSP also experience other occupational stressors, including organizational (e.g., staff shortages, inconsistent leadership styles) and operational elements (e.g., shift work, public scrutiny). The current research quantified occupational stressors across PSP categories and assessed for relationships with PPTEs and mental health disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression). The participants were 4820 PSP (31.7% women) responding to established self-report measures for PPTEs, occupational stressors, and mental disorder symptoms. PPTEs and occupational stressors were associated with mental health disorder symptoms (ps < 0.001). PSP reported substantial difficulties with occupational stressors associated with mental health disorder symptoms, even after accounting for diverse PPTE exposures. PPTEs may be inevitable for PSP and are related to mental health; however, leadership style, organizational engagement, stigma, sleep, and social environment are modifiable variables that appear significantly related to mental health.

Efficacy, effectiveness, and quality of resilience-building mobile health apps for military, veteran and public safety personnel populations: a scoping literature review and app evaluation (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa Voth ◽  
Shannon Chisholm ◽  
Hannah Sollid ◽  
Chelsea Jones ◽  
Lorraine Smith-MacDonald ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Public Safety ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Public Safety Personnel ◽  
Scoping Literature Review ◽  
Mhealth Apps ◽  
Safety Personnel

BACKGROUND Globally, military members (MM) and public safety personnel (PSP) are vulnerable to occupational stress injuries (OSIs) due to their job demands. Consequently, when MM and PSP transition out of these professions, they may continue to experience mental health challenges. In response to this, resilience building programs are being developed and implemented with the goal of promoting empowerment and primary stress regulation. The development of mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) as an emergent mental health intervention platform has allowed for targeted, cost effective, and easily accessible treatment when in-person therapy may be limited or unavailable. However, current mHealth app development is not regulated, and often lacks both clear evidence-based research and the input of healthcare professionals. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this manuscript is to evaluate the evidence-based quality, efficacy, and effectiveness of resilience building mobile apps targeted towards MM, PSP, and veteran populations via: (1) a scoping literature review of the current evidence-base regarding resilience apps for these populations, and; (2) evaluation of free resilience apps designed for use amongst these populations. METHODS Studies were selected using a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, CINAHL Plus, PsycINFO, SocINDEX, Academic Search Complete, Embase, and Google and was guided by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The Alberta Rating Index for Apps (ARIA) was utilized to conduct a review of each of the identified apps. Inclusion criteria consisted of apps: 1) free to download in either Google Play or the App Store; 2) updated within the last 3 years; 3) available in English and in Canada; and 4) intended for use by MM and/or PSP. RESULTS Twenty-two apps met the inclusion criteria for evaluation. The resilience strategies offered by the majority of apps included psychoeducation, mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Eleven apps (50%) had been tested with randomized controlled trials, seven (31.8%) were evaluated using other research methods, and five (22.7%) had not been researched. Using the ARIA, apps scores ranged from 37 to 56 out of 72 with higher rated apps demonstrating increased useability and security features. CONCLUSIONS The mHealth apps reviewed are well suited to providing resilience strategies for MMs, PSP and veterans. They offer easy accessibility to evidence-based tools while working to encourage the use of emotional and professional support with safety in mind. While not intended to function as a substitute for professional services, research has demonstrated that mHealth apps have the potential to foster a significant reduction in symptom severity for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other stress-induced concerns. Within clinical practice, apps can be utilized to supplement treatment as well as provide clients with population-specific, confidential tools to increase engagement in the treatment process. CLINICALTRIAL N/A

scholarly journals Sleep Quality and Mental Disorder Symptoms among Canadian Public Safety Personnel

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (8) ◽  
pp. 2708
Author(s):  
Andréanne Angehrn ◽  
Michelle J. N. Teale Sapach ◽  
Rosemary Ricciardelli ◽  
Renée S. MacPhee ◽  
Gregory S. Anderson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Public Safety ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Public Safety Personnel ◽  
Safety Personnel ◽  
Screening Measures

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.

Impact of Perceived Social Support on Mental Health, Quality of Life, and Disability in Post–9/11 U.S. Military Veterans

2020 ◽  
pp. 0095327X2091992
Author(s):  
Eric Proescher ◽  
Darrin M. Aase ◽  
Holly M. Passi ◽  
Justin E. Greenstein ◽  
Christopher Schroth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Psychosocial Functioning ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
The Impact

This study examined the impact of perceived social support on mental health and psychosocial functioning in combat veterans after military deployment, including veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and veterans with comorbid PTSD and alcohol use disorder. Veterans ( n = 139; female = 23) completed self-report and clinician-administered measures of social support, mental and physical health, functional impairment, and quality of life. The cohort was divided into high, medium, and low perceived social support based on averages of the total score from the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Relative to the low perceived social support group, the high perceived social support group reported fewer symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The high perceived social support group also reported a more diverse and embedded social network, less disability, and better quality of life. Of note, the high and low perceived social support groups did not differ on age, gender, education, race ethnicity, or combat trauma exposure. These findings highlight that perceived social support may play an important role in the treatment of postwar veterans as they transition back to civilian life.

scholarly journals Public Safety Personnel’s interpretations of potentially traumatic events

2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (3) ◽  
pp. 155-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Ricciardelli ◽  
S Czarnuch ◽  
T O Afifi ◽  
T Taillieu ◽  
R N Carleton
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Public Safety ◽  
Traumatic Events ◽  
Social Contexts ◽  
Care Seeking ◽  
Occupational Culture ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Potentially Traumatic Events ◽  
Public Safety Personnel ◽  
The Individual

Abstract Background Many public safety personnel (PSP) experience trauma directly or indirectly in their occupational role, yet there remain barriers to accessing care or seeking help. Aims To understand how PSP interpret different potentially traumatic events and how perceived eligibility for being traumatized is determined among PSP. Methods We analysed open-ended comments provided by over 800 PSP in a survey designed to assess the prevalence of post-traumatic stress injuries and other mental disorders. Results We found evidence that a trauma hierarchy may exist among PSP. Certain experiences may be interpreted as more traumatic, based on both the event and the PSP role in the actual event. For example, involvement in a shooting may be interpreted as more traumatic than arriving on the scene later. Similarly, a single event may be deemed more traumatic than an accumulation of events. The role of the individual and social context in shaping experiences and interpretations of trauma may be largely ignored in line with confirmation biases. Conclusions The role that individuals and social contexts play in shaping experiences and interpretations of trauma appear suppressed by perceptions of a trauma hierarchy, facilitating systematic discrediting or valuation of some experiences, therein evidencing that trauma is subjective and reinforcing barriers to care seeking. A trauma hierarchy may also propagate stigma and legitimize discrimination regarding mental health. We argue that recognizing, engaging with, and dismantling the perception of a trauma hierarchy may help create a respectful and open occupational culture supportive of mental health needs.

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