Citation

Snell T, Etter DW, Carlson EB, McCaslin SE. Int. J. Cult. Ment. Health 2016; 9(3): 247-254.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/17542863.2016.1177731

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

When civilians exposed to high levels of traumatic stress take on security roles, posttraumatic symptoms may affect their work functioning and vulnerability to the severe stress of security work. We aimed to investigate levels of trauma exposure and posttraumatic symptoms in police recruits from a high-conflict area (Iraq) relative to police from a culturally similar, low-conflict area (Jordan). Iraqi police recruits reported significantly higher levels of trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and dissociative symptoms than Jordanian police. Iraqi recruits and Jordanian police both reported high levels of current life stress. Among Iraqi police recruits, trauma exposure and current life stress were both significantly related to PTSD and dissociation symptoms.

RESULTS indicate that those in training for security positions in high violence areas should be screened for posttraumatic stress symptoms and provided appropriate support and mental health care.

Language: en