Work-related violence and its associations with psychological health : A study of Finnish police patrol officers and security guards
Year: 2013
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The aim of this thesis was to examine the prevalence of encounters of work-related violence among police patrol officers and security guards in Finland and the association between these and psychological health. Based on pilot interviews, a questionnaire was sent between 2002-2009 to police officers and security guards. A total of 992 to 1734 responded to the cross-sectional surveys. In both occupations, the most frequent form of violence was psychological violence (63% of police officers and 39% of security guards had encountered insults at least once a month during the past year). Physical violence was also common in both occupations (unarmed physical attacks at least once a month; 44% and 15 % respectively). Among police officers, both psychological and physical violence were more common experiences among those of a younger age, those working in the metropolitan area and those who reported time pressure at work. Among security guards, the corresponding risk factors were male gender, younger age, shorter tenure, working in the metropolitan area, working morning and evening shifts, and time pressure at work. The studies showed that physical violence was associated with psychological ill health (psychological distress symptoms). Instead psychological violence had not this association. Five per cent of police officers reported that their alcohol consumption had increased due to violent encounters or threats of encounters and this increase was associated with a lack of debriefing, a lack of personnel to handle violent situations, and insufficient training in how to handle violent situations. In addition to these, among those who had a physical injury due to work-related violence during the past year (843 of all police officers; 49%), a high frequency of injuries and their severity, as expressed by need for medical treatment, was associated with an increased risk of psychological distress, fear of future violence, and increased alcohol consumption. In conclusion, this study showed that physical violence at work, as well as injuries caused by violence in police work, are associated with the psychological ill health of police officers and security personnel. Lack of psychological support after violent encounters may increase alcohol consumption, which was found in the study of police officers. However, longitudinal studies are needed in order to prove whether the associations are causal. Because violence seems to be a threat to mental well-being in security work, the prevention of violence and the way in which violent situations are handled are of great importance. Special attention should also be paid to the risk groups recognized in this study.
Source: Työväentutkimus Vuosikirja
Author: Tuula Leino
Language: English
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1532843012