A behavioral health needs assessment and general psychological well‐being of digital and multimedia forensic examiners
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Research shows that digital forensic examiners experience high stress levels due to the nature of their jobs involving exposure to disturbing media. This study conducted a needs analysis by examining digital and multimedia forensic examiners' psychological well-being, coping mechanisms, social support, and attitudes toward and experiences with barriers to counseling and mental health support. Ninety-four digital and multimedia forensic examiners (DFE) completed the anonymous online survey. Respondents were also asked to self-report their primary duty within digital forensics (e.g., image, audio, or video analysts) and whether they were also working as an investigator/detective; 53 were DFE-only, and 41 had dual roles (DFE + detective). Results examined differences in primary duties (e.g., image vs. non-image analyst) and the number of primary duties (e.g., two vs. three). Of the sample, 36% personally sought counseling due to work-related stress. Image forensic analysts reported more psychological distress and barriers toward help-seeking compared with audio and video analysts. 17% (n = 16) of the sample met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD. There were no significant differences between DFE-only and those working dual roles as detectives on psychological well-being and attitudes toward mental health support. Finally, digital forensic examiners who met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD reported 9 out of 15 mental health stigmas, many of which included fear associated with agency culture (e.g., "affect my promotion"). Findings support the need for accessible, agency-supported, and potentially mandated mental health services for DFE to improve well-being and resiliency.
Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences
Institution: Purdue University West Lafayette
Language: English
Topic: Stress and Burnout Research
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,330
OpenAlex ID: W4415759082