Citation

Wright L, Borrill J, Teers R, Cassidy T. Couns. Psychol. Q. 2006; 19(2): 165-180.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/09515070600811824

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The impact of dealing with a death in custody was explored in 49 prison officers who had dealt with such an event in the period 3-7 months prior to the study. A 36.7% incidence rate of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was identified. Optimism, avoidance problem solving style, prior experience of suicide and level of involvement in the incident were direct mediators of the impact of the event for the total sample, while perceived control, emotional support and other aspect of problem-solving style had an indirect effect. Separate analysis of the PTSD and non-PTSD groups showed that the only mediator for the PTSD group was prior experience. For the non-PTSD group a range of variables mediated the impact. It is argued that this provides a case for preventive rather than treatment interventions. © 2006 Taylor & Francis.

Language: en

Keywords

human; mental health; suicide; Suicide; incidence; prison; posttraumatic stress disorder; article; major clinical study; controlled study; custody; avoidance behavior; emotion; problem solving; Death in custody; Mental health impact; optimism