Citation

Lukaschek K, Erazo N, Ladwig KH. Nervenheilkd. 2016; 35(5): 329-335.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Georg Thieme Verlag)

DOI

10.1055/s-0037-1616381

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Insufficient knowledge exists about the impact of police deployment after a railway suicide on police officers exposed to this extreme situation. Material and methods: 127 narrative text documents of federal police officers who were deployed after a railway suicide were analysed, using Qualitative Content Analysis.

RESULTS: Extreme stressors were the conditions of the body, the risk of one's own life, victims bearing a high identification potential and helplessness. Psychosocial strain, partly related to the organization of work, complicated coping. Debriefing was viewed critically.

CONCLUSION: Special action is needed to counter-act persistent intrusive memories. Senior staff must be trained in leadership and motivation of employees, including the appropriate approval of work. Clinical Relevance: The knowledge of individual coping strategies can help therapists and gatekeepers to better understand the exposed officers. Thus, it must be included in therapeutic approaches in order to support individual resources. © 2016 Schattauer.

Language: en

Keywords

human; suicide; police; helplessness; content analysis; motivation; coping behavior; railway; leadership; qualitative analysis; Article; job stress; life stress; military deployment; railway suicide