Dynamics of expression of symptoms of posttraumatic stress in police officers after performing operational and service tasks in special conditions

Abstract

The article features of dynamics of post-traumatic symptoms and displays of personal desadaptation of the police officers who have carried out operational and service tasks in special conditions are considered. The empirical study involved 195 police officers aged from 26 to 32 years. Techniques: the standardized multifactorial method of research of the personality (L.N. Sobchik), the questionnaire of traumatic stress I.O. Kotenev. As a result of research it is established, that over time, changes of personal features, posttraumatic symptoms often proceed latently in the form of progredient (towards increase or decrease) or "wave-like" orientation (with alternation of periods of improvement and deterioration of a condition). Symptoms of "intrusion", "avoidance" and physiological hyperexcitability increase from the moment of performance of operational and service tasks in special conditions, and stabilize after three years. Neurotic control, pessimism and social introversion increase linearly. Optimism, distress and flashbacks of psychotraumatic events decrease progrediently. In the post-traumatic period from 1.5 to 3 years, the number of persons with signs of emotional lability, rigidity, non-productive tension and chronic fatigue grows. After 4 years, impulsiveness and aggravation increase, and the ability to withstand emotional stresses decreases. Practical recommendations for psychological rehabilitation of the specified negative manifestations are offered.