Strategies for Coping with Occupational Trauma: A Scoping Review of the Police Officer Context.

Journal: International journal of environmental research and public health

Volume: 21

Issue: 7

Year of Publication: 2024

Affiliated Institutions:  School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Free State, Bloemfontein , South Africa. Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Limpopo, Polokwane , South Africa.

Abstract summary 

Occupational trauma is heightened among police officers due to their exposure to physical, biological, chemical, and psychological hazards. Sustained occupational trauma results in mental illness among members of the police, which is a public health issue of concern. This study aimed to report a scoping review of the literature on strategies employed by police officers for coping with occupational trauma around the globe.A search string, formulated from the review question of what is known about the strategies of police officers for coping with occupational trauma, was used to search for articles from databases. A total of 588 hits were screened against inclusion criteria, resulting in 36 full-text studies between 1983 and 2022 being included in this review. Data were extracted using a standardised data extraction tool. The multi-step process was used to analyse the extracted data, integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches.From this review, 'adaptive coping mechanisms', involving confrontation; 'maladaptive coping mechanisms', such as self-isolation, distancing and substance use; 'resilience', relating to mental preparation, and 'seeking support systems' from family, colleagues and professionals reflected the strategies used by police officers to cope with occupational trauma. Social stigma related to mental health disorders impacts the strategies used by police officers to cope with occupational trauma.the police management and healthcare practitioners must collaborate towards providing constructive environments that support and strengthen police officers' strategies for coping with occupational trauma.

Authors & Co-authors:  Modula Mantji Juliah MJ Mathapo-Thobakgale Ellen Mokgobola EM Nyoni Champion N CN Jansen Ronelle R

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations :  Di Nota P.M., Kasurak E., Bahji A., Groll D., Anderson G.S. Coping among public safety personnel: A systematic review and meta–analysis. Stress Health. 2021;37:613–630. doi: 10.1002/smi.3039.
Authors :  4
Identifiers
Doi : 921
SSN : 1660-4601
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Police
Other Terms
coping;law enforcement;mental health;occupation;police;strategies;support;trauma
Study Design
Study Approach
Quantitative,Qualitative
Country of Study
Publication Country
Switzerland