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Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and Predictors Among Spanish Police and Armed Forces During the COVID-19 Pandemic in
Susana Gracia-Lanchares1, Helena Garrido-Hernansaiz, Nereida Bueno-Guerra
1From the Centro Universitario Cardenal Cisneros, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares (S.G.-L., H.G.-H.); and Universidad Pontificia Comillas, Madrid (N.B.-G., R.R.-R.), Spain.
Objective:
To assess the psychological impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the police and armed forces.
Methods:
Participants ( N = 242) completed an online survey that assessed posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), burnout, emotional suppression, and labor and sociodemographic variables. Mean difference, correlation, and stepwise linear regression tests were performed.
Results:
One-third of participants showed severe PTSS, linked to patrolling duties, very frequent contact with other people, fear of contagion, perceived pandemic severity, living with at-risk people, taking a COVID-19 test, working more than normal, suffering an assault, having little vacation, and having to distance from loved ones. PTSS also correlated with the burnout dimensions and emotional suppression. Three-quarters had not received any support from their workplace.
Conclusions:
Effective interventions to optimize these professionals' personal, social, and working conditions are needed.
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