Determinants of Poor Health among Workers in Criminal Justice, Community and Social Services, and Healthcare: Adverse Childhood Experiences, Workplace Trauma Exposure, and Gender Differences

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences and workplace trauma exposure are associated with poor health.However, their differential impacts by gender are difficult to assess in studies of organizations with gender imbalances (e.g., law enforcement officers are more likely men whereas social workers are more likely women). Using a community-based participatory research framework, this study examines trauma exposure, mental and physical health, and substance use in an occupationally diverse sample (n=391).Trauma exposure was high and associated with poor health. Even though women experienced more adversity, they were often more resilient than men. Implications for trauma-informed workplaces are discussed.

Does Where You Work and What You Do Matter? Testing the Role of Organizational Context and Job Type for Future Study of Occupation-Based Secondary Trauma Intervention Development

“…Likewise, research on the culture of law enforcement has shown that cynicism is high among law enforcement officers (Alves et al, 2023). Lastly, the culture of community-based organizations is that women tend to be over-represented in this work (Knight et al, 2021; McPhail, 2004) and, in general, women have higher rates of PTSD compared to men (Valentine et al, 2019). Ultimately, we recommend educating organizations about these differences and encouraging them to use evidence-based organizational improvement processes (Hallinan et al, 2021).…”

“…Fifth, our findings align with the theoretical perspectives that informed this study. This includes our prior research (Knight et al, 2018, 2021, 2022) and the conceptual model of secondary trauma (Ellis & Knight, 2021) that is based on Stern’s (1985) theory of the core self. Applying this theoretical framework of interpersonal trauma, findings from this study can be used to support policies and practices that enhance employees’ trust in themselves (i.e., self-agency), and trust in others (i.e., coherence of others), presence and mindfulness (i.e., self-affectivity), as well as professional growth over time (i.e., self-history).…”