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Posttraumatic growth in protective services professionals: Individual, cognitive and organizational influences
Citation
Paton, D, Posttraumatic growth in protective services professionals: Individual, cognitive and organizational influences, Traumatology, 11, (4) pp. 335-346. ISSN 1534-7656 (2005) [Refereed Article]
DOI: doi:10.1177/153476560501100411
Abstract
Protective service (e.g., police, fire, EMT) professionals face repeated exposure to traumatic events throughout their careers. Although typically linked to pathological outcomes, research has identified sustained positive benefits and posttraumatic growth as consistent posttrauma outcomes in emergency workers. The fact that critical incident experience can result in both adverse and positive outcomes provides organizations with the potential to make choices regarding these outcomes. Increasing the likelihood of posttraumatic growth outcomes requires identifying the mechanisms by which such outcomes are secured. Drawing upon data from studies examining the role of personality, cognitive and organizational factors, this paper reviews evidence for posttraumatic growth in emergency workers. By identifying resources whose availability can be influenced by organizational practices (e.g., selection, training, organizational change), the basis for a primary prevention strategy for managing traumatic stress risk that prepares officers for future involvement in traumatic incidents is discussed.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
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Research Division: | Psychology |
Research Group: | Clinical and health psychology |
Research Field: | Health psychology |
Objective Division: | Health |
Objective Group: | Specific population health (excl. Indigenous health) |
Objective Field: | Occupational health |
UTAS Author: | Paton, D (Professor Douglas Paton) |
ID Code: | 39262 |
Year Published: | 2005 |
Deposited By: | Psychology |
Deposited On: | 2005-08-01 |
Last Modified: | 2006-04-11 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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