Brennan, Chloe 
ORCID: 0000-0002-8284-835X and Cole, Jon
(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.
pp. 1-8.
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Abstract
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>In 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.</jats:p>
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Behavioral and Social Science, Mental Health, Brain Disorders, Mental health, 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Population Health |
| Depositing User: | Symplectic Admin |
| Date Deposited: | 19 Jan 2024 15:49 |
| Last Modified: | 17 Mar 2024 19:21 |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s11896-023-09635-w |
| Related URLs: | |
| URI: | https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3177920 |
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