Longitudinal Examination of Secondary Traumatic Stress among Law Enforcement

• NCJ Number: 248275
• Journal: Victims and Offenders Volume: 9 Issue: 3 Dated: July-September 2014 Pages: 299-316
• Author(s): Sarah W. Craun; Michael L. Bourke; David M. Bierie; Katria S. Williams
• Date Published: September 2014
• Length: 18 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Current research on secondary traumatic stress (STS) has been drawn from cross-sectional data. To determine how STS manifests over time, the authors conducted a 3-year, longitudinal panel survey of investigators at a federal law enforcement agency.

Abstract

Current research on secondary traumatic stress (STS) has been drawn from cross-sectional data. To determine how STS manifests over time, the authors conducted a 3-year, longitudinal panel survey of investigators at a Federal law enforcement agency. The authors measured STS scores, coping styles, perceptions of the work environment, and subject demographics. The authors found that STS scores were fairly stable over time. A variety of both positive and negative coping mechanisms, as well as characteristics about the work environment, were found to impact STS. In particular, coping with denial more often in the previous year was related to higher STS scores a year later, while higher scores indicating supervisory support were related to lower STS one year later. Deputy demographic variables were unrelated to STS. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.