Date
12-13-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Department
Human Services
First Advisor
Dr. Jerrod Brown
Abstract
Law enforcement personnel work in environments with routine exposure to high stress and trauma which can lead to increased risk for mental health conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The purpose of this study was to learn about the prevalence and effects of PTSD and related mental health issues among law enforcement (LE) officers and how psychological issues are managed within the LE system. An explanatory sequential mixed methods design strategy was used that involved collecting quantitative data first and then explaining the results with in-depth follow-up qualitative data. In the first quantitative phase of the study, data was collected from articles citing statistical databases such as the FBI and related peer-reviewed articles to assess whether the way trauma and mental health is handled within law enforcement relates to negative mental health and behavioral issues among officers. The second qualitative phase was conducted as a follow-up to the quantitative results to help explain the results in greater depth. The insight gained explained the phenomenon and the relationship among variables in more detail. The study also examined suggested methods for improving the state of mental health awareness and methods for reducing the negative effects on law enforcement officers.