IRSST - Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail

Prevention of post-traumatic stress in convenience store employees who have been victims of armed robberies

Abstract

The psychological impacts of armed robbery on workers can take the form of a post traumatic stress reaction. This type of reaction leads in some cases to significant distress or deterioration in social and professional functioning, such as absences from work, reduced productivity, the consumption of medication, the use of health services and the payment of benefits. The effect of a brief and early psychological intervention (debriefing) on the incidence of post-traumatic stress and its manifestations on employees in convenience stores who have been victims of armed robbery was evaluated. The authors concluded that even if this type of intervention seems beneficial and appreciated, it must be carried out carefully, since no study has yet demonstrated its protective effect against symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. The fundamental objectives for future interventions and research in this field are: personalizing preventive interventions; developing flexible strategies adapted to each victim, his work environment, and the types of trauma; and operationalizing and increasing the identification of people at risk and the use of consultation.

Additional Information

Type: Project
Number: 0096-0330
Status: Completed
Year of completion: 2003
Research Field: Special Projects
Team:
  • André Marchand (Université du Québec à Montréal )
  • Richard Boyer (Hôpital Louis-H.- Lafontaine)
  • Carl Gilbert (Dépanneurs Couche-Tard)