Suicidality among Correctional Staff: Understanding the Comorbidity Effects of PTSD and Depression

• In Event: Stress, Trauma, and Coping among Correctional Officers

Abstract

Over the past few years, concerns regarding the mental health of correctional staff have begun to surface. While the body of literature is rather small, the existing research demonstrates that approximately 1/3 of correctional staff suffer from PTSD. Of further concern is the comorbidity of depression and PTSD because this is what is most likely to lead to suicidality. This study uses data from 775 correctional staff from a Southern state’s Department of Corrections to examine the comorbidity of depression and PTSD and its relationship with suicidality. We examine 3 factors from the Trauma Symptom Inventory-2—self-disturbance (depression factor), trauma (PTSD factor), and externalization (suicidality factor). The current data has demonstrated that over 30% of staff are of clinical concern regarding PTSD. Building on this previous finding, the present study includes depression to examine the independent and combined effects of PTSD and depression on suicidality. Results are presented and implications for correctional agencies are discussed.

Authors

• Kristin Swartz, University of Louisville

• Ashley French, University of Louisville