The Effects of Non-Workplace Violence and Occupational Violence on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among Correctional Officers

• In Event: Violence Exposure and other Environmental Influences on Mental Health and Neurological Functioning among Correctional Officers

Abstract

Occupational violence significantly impacts mental health outcomes, potentially leading to burnout, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and even suicide. Previous research has established an association between occupational violence exposure and mental health problems among correctional officers (COs), but little is currently known regarding the ways exposure to other forms of violence may impact this association. Drawing from a longitudinal sample of correctional officers from three prisons in Minnesota (n = 433), the current study examines the potential effect of non-workplace violence exposure on the relationship between occupational violence exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The results of a series of multivariable linear regression models indicated that as non-workplace violence exposure increases, the association between workplace violence and PTSD decreases. These findings indicate that the mental health consequences of occupational violence are buffered when coupled with non-workplace violence, such that the magnitude of the association continues to decrease as non-workplace violence exposures increase. These findings' impact for future research and interventions aimed at reducing mental health problems among COs will be discussed in more detail.

Authors

• Kayla R. Vogel, Florida State University

• Joseph A. Schwartz, Florida State University