“Abnormality becomes Normal”: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Trauma and Coping among Kentucky Correctional Staff

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

Abstract

Correctional staff are exposed to traumatic events on a regular basis in the performance of their normal work duties. Though the frequency and magnitude of traumatic exposure for correctional staff varies based on several factors such as their post, institution’s custody level, and shift, nearly all staff are exposed to inmate-on-inmate physical violence, inmate self-harm, and inmates with severe mental health issues. Correctional staff are also at risk for being the target of assault or responding to a co-worker who is being assaulted. This presentation uses a mixed-methods approach to examine trauma and coping among Kentucky correctional staff. The quantitative analysis uses data from 775 correctional staff which includes their exposure to trauma, PTSD scores, and various other important factors. The qualitative analysis comes from 18 focus groups sessions, collected as a part of a larger project which focused on the incidence of PTSD and other quality of life issues. Findings focus on the experiences of trauma and coping, as well as which types of incidents are perceived as more traumatic by KY DOC staff.

Authors

• Amanda Roberts, University of Louisville

• Kristin Swartz, University of Louisville