Trauma-Associated Reactions Following Adverse Work-Related Events in Forensic Mental Healthcare Professionals and Correctional Workers : A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Background and aims: This systematic review aimed at synthesising the existing literature on trauma-associated symptomatology (including post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD], vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue) in order to gain an insight into the scientific status quo concerning work related potentially traumatising experiences in forensic and correctional staff.

Methods: Two databases (APA PsycInfo, PSYNDEX) were used and 22 articles were included in this review, with seven reporting on forensic and 15 on correctional staff. Studies were screened in order to ensure their concurrence with the research questions and the eligibility criteria, and the quality of studies was appraised by means of two different scales.

Results: The majority of the original studies were cross-sectional. Levels of trauma-associated symptomatology showed a wide range, with PTSD-levels being generally high and compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma levels being low to moderate. Exposure to violence emerged as a relevant predictor for PTSD in forensic and correctional staff, with personal (e.g., neuroticism) and organisational factors (e.g., organisational support) influencing levels of trauma-associated symptoms. Avoidant coping mechanisms were associated with higher rates of PTSD and several personal, professional and other coping mechanisms were explored.

Conclusions: The findings suggest that organisations should provide both preventative actions (e.g., pre-trauma training, violence prevention) and supportive resources to staff affected by trauma symptoms (e.g., staff trauma services, supervision). Limitations of this review include the risk of bias concerning paper selection, the methodological limitations of the included studies and the narrative character of the synthesis.