Abstract

Mental health outcomes, especially post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), in police have become more of a concern for law enforcement administrators, peers, family and friends. Using culture as a theoretical framework, the current cross-sectional, convergent mixed methods study explored the relationship between personal cumulative exposure to different types of critical incidents and likelihood of reporting PTSD symptoms in a sample of officers (n=71) from one municipal police department. This study also examined how personal cumulative exposure to different types of critical incidents and likelihood of reporting symptoms of PTSD may be moderated by the degree of perception of social support from friends and family. Finally, the study included a qualitative analysis of how police culture influences barriers to officers receiving mental health services. Regression models supported a significant positive relationship between cumulative exposure to various types of critical incidents experienced personally by the officer and the likelihood of reporting symptoms of PTSD. Results also showed a direct significant inverse relationship between perception of social support from family and friends and self-reported symptoms of PTSD. Social support did not moderate the relationship between personal cumulative exposure to various types of critical incidents and the likelihood of reporting symptoms of PTSD. A separate thematic analysis of officers (n=54) revealed that the culture of machismo (occupational and self) influenced officers' perception of receiving mental health services. This study highlights the need for close attention to the effects of cumulative exposure to trauma in officers and the need to advocate for strong interpersonal relationships outside of policing. Other policy implications are discussed.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2023

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Gau, Jacinta

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Community Innovation and Education

Department

School of Public Administration

Degree Program

Public Affairs; Criminal Justice Track

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0009491; DP0027492

URL

https://purls.library.ucf.edu/go/DP0027492

Language

English

Release Date

May 2023

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Doctoral Dissertation (Open Access)

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