The Relation Between Mindfulness and Posttraumatic Growth: A Study of First Responders to Trauma-Inducing Incidents

2009 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 363-376 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Chopko ◽  
Robert Schwartz
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Posttraumatic Growth ◽  
Police Officers ◽  
Spiritual Growth ◽  
Negative Symptoms ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
First Responders ◽  
Health Counseling ◽  
Mindfulness Skills ◽  
Posttraumatic Growth Inventory

Research on the reactions of first responders (e.g., police officers, fire fighters) to traumatic incidents has largely focused on negative symptoms (e.g., posttraumatic stress disorder) rather than aspects promoting mental health. Consistent with the counseling profession's focus on growth and development, this study investigated the relation between mindfulness (using the Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills) and posttraumatic growth (using the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory) among 183 police officers. Results of multiple regression analyses showed that effort toward spiritual growth was positively correlated, and accepting events without judgment was negatively correlated, with posttraumatic growth. Implications for mental health counseling are discussed.

The Meaning of Bonds: The Relationships Among Grief Rituals, Support From Relatives and Friends, and the Mental Health of Shiduers

2020 ◽  
pp. 003022282090965
Author(s):  
Yudi Zhang ◽  
Xiaoming Jia
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Posttraumatic Growth ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Epidemiologic Studies ◽  
Prolonged Grief ◽  
Grief Support ◽  
Posttraumatic Growth Inventory

Previous studies have sporadically explored the effect of various bonds on the mental health of shiduers (i.e., parents who lost their only child). However, research has rarely classified different bonds to systematically describe their effects. This study administered a self-compiled questionnaire, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, the posttraumatic stress disorder Checklist, the Prolonged Grief Questionnaire, the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, and the Adult Dispositional Hope Scale to 466 shiduers. The commemoration rituals that occur soon after the loss predict a lower level of posttraumatic stress disorder. Similarly, the commemoration rituals that occur on special days predict lower levels of depression and anxiety. In contrast, the continuation of commemoration rituals on ordinary days predicts higher levels of depression and prolonged grief. Support from family members and relatives, other shiduers, and nonshiduer friends are all beneficial to shiduers’ mental health.

On-scene Mental Health Counseling Provided Through Police Departments

2008 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 345-361 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Young ◽  
Jill Fuller ◽  
Briana Riley
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Police Officers ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Mental Health Counseling ◽  
Police Departments ◽  
Crisis Counseling ◽  
Health Counseling ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
The Impact

The expectation that police officers can address every need in every situation is daunting and unrealistic. Recognizing this, some police departments have instituted special training or used other resources to better serve the needs of citizens. One example is an on-scene crisis counseling unit comprised of volunteer mental health professionals who respond to calls with police officers. These counselors provide mental health services that police officers cannot. This article explains the usefulness of this type of program, and crisis counseling in general, for both officers and victims as they deal with crises like domestic violence, homicide, suicide, and sexual assault. The study examines survey results from victims and police officers about the impact of this intervention. The data support the helpfulness of the program. Implications and recommendations for further research are included.

‘It’s not getting them the support they need’: Exploratory research of police officers’ experiences of community mental health

2018 ◽  
Vol 92 (4) ◽  
pp. 277-295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vicky Lamb ◽  
Emma Tarpey
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Police Officers ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
First Responders ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Health Concerns ◽  
Mental Health Difficulties ◽  
The Impact

Police officers are first responders in a role which not only encompasses crime, but also increasing welfare issues. Issues have been highlighted with officers ‘detaining’ those with mental health difficulties and the impact that this process can have upon all involved. However, there appears to be a shift towards a police-health nexus. An exploratory study interviewed ten UK police officers with a view to understanding officers’ experiences of working with people with mental health difficulties and the availability of training for this role. With increasing demands to support people with mental health concerns, alongside a reduction in officer numbers, thematic analysis highlighted three themes: Support, Impact on the Officer and Understanding Mental Health. Increasing demands, a lack of training and limited multi-agency working were experienced by officers. However, officer-to-officer support was strong. Recommendations are made to increase collaborative multi-agency working and review the role of police officers as first responders in mental health crises.

A Practitioner's Guide to Breathwork in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-94
Author(s):  
Babatunde Aideyan ◽  
Gina C. Martin ◽  
Eric T. Beeson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Treatment Programs ◽  
Mental Health Counselors ◽  
Health Counseling ◽  
Yogic Breathing ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Anxiety Depression

Breathwork techniques and therapies offer a set of practical interventions for clinical mental health counselors (CMHCs) and are viable methods for integrating physiological sensitivities in treatment by way of the relaxation response. We discuss an organizing framework of breathwork practices and identify three broad categories of breathwork within the field: deep relaxation breathing, mindfulness breathwork, and yogic breathing. Each style is distinct in how it is applied and in the specific respiratory patterns that users are instructed to use. We also aim to elaborate the physiological effects, clinical research outcomes, and applicability of breathwork for treating mental illness. Overall, research findings indicate that breathwork may be efficacious for treating anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Despite preliminary evidence for breathwork's efficacy for treating common psychological distress, more research is needed to evaluate its utility for treating a wider range of mental illness. CMHCs are encouraged to incorporate breathwork techniques in their clinical treatment programs but must appraise the value of each technique individually.

scholarly journals Experiences of trauma, depression, anxiety, and stress in western-Canadian HEMS personnel

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 18
Author(s):  
Sebastian Harenberg ◽  
Michelle C. E. McCarron ◽  
R. Nicholas Carleton ◽  
Thomas O'Malley ◽  
Terry Ross
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Emergency Medical Services ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
First Responders ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Health Concerns ◽  
Emergency Medical ◽  
Mental Health Concerns

Mental health in first responders and other public safety personnel has received substantial research attention in the past decade. Emergency medical services (EMS) demonstrate a heightened prevalence of maladaptive mental health concerns compared to other first responders (e.g., police, fire fighters). Interestingly, there is an absence of research examining helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) personnel, who respond to what are often life-threatening cases in chal­lenging circumstances. Hence, the purpose of the present study was to assess the experiences of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and associated mental health conditions (i.e., depression, anxiety, stress) in HEMS workers. HEMS work­ers from a single mid-western Canadian organization (n = 100) participated in the study. The participants completed the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5) and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) as part of an online survey. The results revealed that five per cent of HEMS personnel experienced heightened PTSD symptoms. Few participants exhibited signs of mild to severe depression, anxiety, and stress (< 17%). HEMS personnel experienced fewer mental health concerns than other first responder groups as reported in the literature; indeed, these figures are similar to levels observed within the general population. These findings may be explained by organizational or personality charac­teristics. Underreporting of mental health concerns may be an alternate explanation. Future qualitative and quantitative research is needed to explain and replicate the results of the present study. 

scholarly journals Developing a Japanese Version of The Short Form of The Expanded Version of The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI-X-SF-J): A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rei Oshiro ◽  
Takafumi Soejima ◽  
Sachiko Kita ◽  
Kayla Benson ◽  
Satoshi Kibi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Posttraumatic Growth ◽  
Spiritual Growth ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Japanese Version ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Posttraumatic Growth Inventory

Abstract Background The 10-item short form of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI-SF) has been utilized worldwide. However, there is no Japanese version. Furthermore, the PTGI-SF does not capture a broader category of existential spiritual growth that has been incorporated in the more recent Expanded version of the PTG Inventory (PTGI-X). Thus, we developed a Japanese version of the Short Form (PTGI-X-SF-J), which reflects more diverse perspectives on existential and spiritual growth. Methods A cross-sectional study using questionnaires was conducted in Japan. The first sample consisted of 408 university students, and the second sample comprised 284 university students. Exploratory factor analysis was performed using data from the first sample. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted, and reliability and validity were confirmed using the second sample. Results The PTGI-X-SF-J is composed of 10 items including two items from each of the five subscales of the PTGI-X, similar to the original version of the PTGI-SF, and this model fits the data well. Items concerning existential/spiritual change in the PTGI-X-SF-J were “I feel more connected with all of existence” and “I have a greater sense of harmony with the world,” which were not included in the original PTGI-SF. The score of the PTGI-X-SF-J was significantly correlated with the scores of the Core Beliefs Inventory and the Event Related Rumination Inventory-Deliberate; however, no correlation was observed with the scores of the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5. Conclusions We developed the PTGI-X-SF-J using 10 items to measure PTG among people whose first language is Japanese and confirmed its factor structure, reliability, and validity. The PTGI-X-SF-J is useful for assessing PTG more efficiently and accurately as it considers more diverse spiritual/existential experiences of personal growth and reduces physical and psychological burdens due to its brevity.

scholarly journals Mental health informed physical activity for first responders and their support partner: a protocol for a stepped-wedge evaluation of an online, codesigned intervention

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. e030668 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grace McKeon ◽  
Zachary Steel ◽  
Ruth Wells ◽  
Jill M Newby ◽  
Dusan Hadzi-Pavlovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
First Responders ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Post Traumatic

BackgroundFirst responders (police, fire and ambulance officers) are at a significantly increased risk of experiencing poor mental health, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. These conditions are associated with high rates of cardiovascular disease, in part due to low levels of physical activity (PA) and high levels of sedentary behaviour. Using a person’s social support system may be an effective solution to help increase PA levels to improve mental and physical health outcomes. We will examine the efficacy of a group-based online intervention in increasing PA in first responders and their support partners, iteratively codesigned with advisors with lived experience of mental illness among first responders.MethodsThis study will recruit a convenience sample of self-identified sedentary first responders and their self-selected support partners to a 10-week PA programme delivered through a private Facebook group. We will deliver education on predetermined topics related to PA and diet and provide participants with an activity tracker (Fitbit). A stepped-wedged design will be applied to compare multiple baselines to intervention and follow-up phases within subjects. Five cohorts of n=20 will be recruited, with each cohort randomised to a different baseline length. Our primary outcome will be psychological distress (Kessler-6). Secondary outcomes include feasibility, self-report and objective PA data (Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire and Fitbit accelerometry), depression and anxiety (Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 items), post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5), quality of life Assessment of Quality of Life-6 dimensions, sleep quality (The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), suicidal ideation (Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale) and social support for exercise. The mobile data collection platform MetricWire will be used.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was obtained from the University of New South Wales, Deupty Vice-Chancellor Research, Human Research Ethics Committee on 3 June 2019, HC180561. Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated at national conferences.Trial registration numberACTRN12619000877189.

scholarly journals Occupational exposure to suicide: A review of research on the experiences of mental health professionals and first responders

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. e0251038
Author(s):  
Renan Lopes de Lyra ◽  
Sarah K. McKenzie ◽  
Susanna Every-Palmer ◽  
Gabrielle Jenkin
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Police Officers ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
First Responders ◽  
Professional Life ◽  
Personal Life

Exposure to suicide is a major factor for suicidality. Mental health professionals and first responders are often exposed to suicide while on-duty. The objective of this scoping review is to describe the state of current research on exposure to suicide among mental health professionals and first responders, focusing on the prevalence and impact of exposure to suicide, and to identify current gaps in the literature. We searched MEDLINE, Scopus, PsychNET, and Web of Science and identified 25 eligible papers. Between 31.5–95.0% of professionals had been exposed to suicide. Exposure to suicide had impacts on personal life, professional life, and mental health; and caused emotional distress. There was little research investigating exposure to suicide among police officers, firefighters, and paramedics. More research existed on mental health professionals, but none assessed exposure to suicide as a risk for suicide amongst this group. The review concludes that exposure to suicide is distressing for mental health professionals, and likely to be for first responder however, more research on these groups, especially paramedics, is required.

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