Brennan, Chloe 
ORCID: 0000-0002-8284-835X and Cole, Jon ORCID: 0000-0003-3515-0183
(2024)
Post-traumatic Embitterment Disorder in UK Authorised Firearms Officers Following Post-incident Procedures: A Cross-Sectional Web Survey
Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, 39 (2).
pp. 303-310.
ISSN 0882-0783, 1936-6469
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Abstract
AbstractIn the United Kingdom, authorised firearms officers (AFOs) respond to the most serious threats, and in situations where a weapon is discharged may be subject to a post-incident investigation. The investigation may feel unjust and lead to post-traumatic embitterment disorder (PTED), however, there is a lack of research on PTED in this group. The current study estimated the prevalence, predictors, and outcomes of PTED in 40 UK AFOs with experience of a post-incident procedure following a firearms-related incident. An online cross-sectional survey was hosted on Qualtrics, and participants were recruited via a gatekeeper at one UK police force. PTED was assessed using the PTED self-rating scale. Potential predictors and outcomes were measured using surveys of personal and general belief in a just world (BJW), including belief in distributive justice (i.e., fair outcomes) and procedural justice (i.e., fair processes), anger, and social desirability. Participants reported whether they had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression, and whether they experienced the post incident investigation as more problematic than the firearms incident. Results showed 15% of participants displayed clinically relevant levels of PTED. Having a possible post-traumatic stress disorder and/or depression diagnosis, feeling as though the post-incident procedure and subsequent treatment were more problematic than the incident itself, and a lack of belief in personal distributive justice, increased the risk of experiencing PTED and PTED predicted increased feelings of anger. Measures are needed to ensure the post-incident procedure delivers fair outcomes and that AFOs are given the right targeted support throughout the process.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | 52 Psychology, 4402 Criminology, 44 Human Society, Behavioral and Social Science, Brain Disorders, Mental Illness, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Depression, Mental Health, Anxiety Disorders, 6.6 Psychological and behavioural, Mental health, 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Health & Life Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Population Health |
| Depositing User: | Symplectic Admin |
| Date Deposited: | 19 Jan 2024 15:49 |
| Last Modified: | 17 Jan 2026 19:55 |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s11896-023-09635-w |
| Related Websites: | |
| URI: | https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3177920 |
| Disclaimer: | The University of Liverpool is not responsible for content contained on other websites from links within repository metadata. Please contact us if you notice anything that appears incorrect or inappropriate. |
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