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

Predictive factors for the development of post-traumatic stress disorder following a critical accident involving police officers

Abstract

Frequently exposed to traumatic events, some police officers are subject to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study is the first of its kind to be carried out in Québec, and will evaluate the risk factors as well as the protection factors that facilitate the adaptation of these workers following their involvement in such events. The study will lead to recommendations, which will enable the milieu concerned to develop prevention, evaluation and intervention strategies for reducing the negative effects of the risk factors, and to promote the development of protective mechanisms for police officers. These recommendations can then have impacts in other environments where workers (namely soldiers, fire fighters, first aid attendants and ambulance attendants) are also likely to be exposed to recurring traumatic events.

Additional Information

Type: Project
Number: 0099-3930
Status: Completed
Year of completion: 2011
Research Field: Special Projects
Team:
  • André Marchand (Université du Québec à Montréal )
  • Richard Boyer (Hôpital Louis-H.- Lafontaine)
  • Normand Martin (Service de police de la Ville de Montréal)
  • David Michalizsyn (Université du Québec à Montréal )
  • Vanessa Germain (Université du Québec à Montréal )
  • Édith St-Jean - Trudel (Université du Québec à Montréal )