| Document ID (ISN) | 112496 |
| CIS number |
12-0352 |
| ISBN(s) |
978-2-89631-578-9 |
| Year |
2011 |
| Convention or series no. |
Etudes et recherches R-710
|
| Author(s) |
Marchand A., Boyer R., Nadeau C., Martin M. |
| Title |
Predictive factors for the development of post-traumatic stress disorder following a critical accident involving police officers -Prospective study |
| Original title |
Facteurs prévisionnels du développement de l'état de stress post-traumatique à la suite d'un événement traumatique chez les policiers -Volet prospectif [in French] |
| Bibliographic information |
Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2011. viii, 74p. Illus. 169 ref. |
| Internet access |
Facteurs_prévisionnels_du_développement_[INTERNET_FREE_ACCESS] [in French]
|
| Abstract |
After having shown in an earlier study that Quebec police officers are not more susceptible than the general population to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) even though they are potentially at higher risk of being exposed to traumatic events (TEs), this second study established that the symptoms associated with PTSD development in police officers can be reduced or prevented with specific and adapted interventions. The risk factors are mainly that they experience, during or after the event, dissociation, intense emotional and physical reactions, acute stress, depressive symptoms or even the avoidance of any form of emotion. Rapid intervention with a police officer shortly after the TE as well as in the following weeks increases the chances of preventing the development of PTSD. Eighty-three male and female Quebec police officers, all involved in a major event, voluntarily participated in this prospective study. The study shows that police officers use various means and strategies of adaptation to deal with a critical event at work. Talking about it with their colleagues, obtaining their support, and having leisure activities are aspects that help them, particularly after a traumatic event. The police officers even advise their coworkers to consult a psychologist and are themselves open to the idea of receiving such support. |
| Descriptors (primary) |
Quebec; traumatic neurosis; mental health; police forces; risk factors |
| Descriptors (secondary) |
Canada; depressive neurosis; psychology and sociology; public OSH institutions; stress factors; report |
| Document type |
E - Books, reports, proceedings |
| Country / State or Province | Quebec |
| Subject(s) |
Psychology and sociology
|
| Broad subject area(s) |
Stress, psychosocial factors
|
| Browse category(ies) |
Fire fighting, police, prisons and the armed forces
Psychosocial factors and the role of management
Violence
|
