Grant: Catalyst Grant: PTSI among PSP workers

While awareness of posttraumatic stress injuries (PTSI) among members of the military has been high for many years, much less is known about PTSI in public safety personnel (PSP) (e.g., police, firefighters, and paramedics) and almost nothing is known about PTSI in correctional officers (CO)s. Previous research suggests rates of mental illness are high among COs, but the only Canadian study did not look at rates in provincial COs. In 2015 a Canadian government report was the first to acknowledge that, for PSP, exposure to trauma is the rule, rather than the exception and underscores an urgent need for more research with PSP-including COs, Thus, the purpose of this study is to conduct the first survey of all provincial COs in Canada to determine the prevalence of PTSI such as posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, depression, and others. We plan to use an online, anonymous, survey consisting of several mental health screening tools, and measures of traumatic events and workplace stressors. We also want to determine what may protect against mental illness and will ask questions about resiliency, feelings of belonging, and how people are supported by their family, friends, and colleges. With the help of the Ontario Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services we have already completed this survey in Ontario COs, and we currently have surveys underway in several other provinces. This is the only study of PTSI in provincial COs. Findings from this study will strengthen and expand the evidence base needed to inform current and future policies, practices, and programs, related to PTSI in this population. Findings from this study will also lead to research innovations that will improve the mental wellness and resilience of Canada's COs, but without this basic, baseline, information no changes can be made.