Violence Exposure and other Environmental Influences on Mental Health and Neurological Functioning among Correctional Officers

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract/Description

This panel includes papers focused on exploring the potential impact of violence exposure as well as exposure to other deleterious environments on the mental health and neurological functioning of correctional officers and justice involved youth. The presented papers offer greater insights into the role of early life nutrition on later neurological functioning, the impact of traumatic brain injury on later sleep problems, the intersection of violence exposure from multiple sources on the development of post-traumatic stress disorder, and the independent and interactive influence of exposure to multiple forms of work-related stressors experienced by correctional officers on mental health. The methodological, theoretical, and policy implications of the findings are also discussed in more detail.

Sub Unit

• Area VI. The Criminal Justice System / 48. Jails & Prisons

Individual Presentations

• Early Life Nutrition and Neuropsychological Functioning - William Gibbs, Florida State University; Kevin M. Beaver, Florida State University

• The combined impact of critical and medical incident exposure on correctional officers’ mental health - Kari L. Kramer, Florida State University; Joseph A. Schwartz, Florida State University

• Sleep Disruption Stemming from Traumatic Brain Injury in Correctional Officers - Caitlyn E. Mann, Florida State University; Joseph A. Schwartz, Florida State University

• The Effects of Non-Workplace Violence and Occupational Violence on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among Correctional Officers - Kayla R. Vogel, Florida State University; Joseph A. Schwartz, Florida State University

Chair

• Joseph A. Schwartz, Florida State University