Exploring the Relationships Between Depression, PTSD, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and Suicidality Among Correctional Officers

• In Event: Use of Force & Troubled Correctional Officers

Abstract

Over the past decade, research has consistently demonstrated that a substantial proportion of correctional officers suffer from depression and PTSD. Further, suicide rates of correctional officers are among the highest of any profession. The extant literature has identified some key factors that place correctional officers at an increased risk for depression, PTSD, and suicidality. However, the research has almost exclusively focused on work-related risk factors and largely has not considered the influences of trauma experienced early in life on adulthood depression, PTSD, and suicidality among correctional officers. Important relationships between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and adult negative mental health outcomes have long been established among the general population and other subpopulations. The current study aims to address this gap in the correctional officer literature by examining the relationships between depression, PTSD, and ACEs with suicidality. Using a sample of 250 correctional officers across 7 state prisons, we examine the relationship between ACEs and suicidality while controlling for depression, PTSD, and violence/trauma experienced in the workplace. Further, we assess whether the exposure to ACEs moderates the relationship between 1) depression and suicidality and 2) PTSD and suicidality. Recommendations for future research and policy implications are discussed.

Authors

• Branna Humphrey, University of Louisville

• Kristin Swartz, University of Louisville