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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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01.01.2013 | Original Article

Assessment of a prevention program for work-related stress among urban police officers

verfasst von: Bengt B. Arnetz, Eamonn Arble, Lena Backman, Adam Lynch, Ake Lublin

Erschienen in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Ausgabe 1/2013

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Abstract

Objective

To determine the efficacy of a primary prevention program designed to improve psychobiological responses to stress among urban police officers.

Methods

A random sample of 37 police cadets received complementary training in psychological and technical techniques to reduce anxiety and enhance performance when facing a series of police critical incidents. Training was done by Special Forces officers, trained by the authors in imaging. A random sample of 38 cadets, receiving training as usual, was followed in parallel. Assessment of somatic and psychological health, and stress biomarkers, was done at baseline, immediately following training, and after 18 months as regular police officers. Comparison was done using two-way repeated analysis of variance (ANOVA) and logistic regression.

Results

The intervention group improved their general health and problem-based coping as compared to the control group. They also demonstrated lower levels of stomach problems, sleep difficulties, and exhaustion. Training was associated with an OR of 4.1 (95% CI, 1.3–13.7; p < 0.05) for improved GHQ scores during the study as compared to no changes or worsening score.

Conclusions

This first primary prevention study of high-risk professions demonstrates the validity and functional utility of the intervention. Beneficial effects lasted at least during the first 2 years on the police force. It is suggested that preventive imagery training in first responders might contribute to enhanced resiliency.

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Titel: Assessment of a prevention program for work-related stress among urban police officers
verfasst von: Bengt B. Arnetz
Eamonn Arble
Lena Backman
Adam Lynch
Ake Lublin
Publikationsdatum: 01.01.2013
Verlag: Springer-Verlag
Erschienen in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Ausgabe 1/2013
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Elektronische ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-012-0748-6

Springer Medizin

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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