Citation

Pihl-Thingvad J, Elklit A, Brandt LLP, Andersen LL. J. Occup. Environ. Med. 2019; 61(7): 572-583.

Affiliation

Department Occupational & Environmental medicine, Odense University Hospital (Pihl-Thingvad, Brandt), National Center of Psychotraumatology, Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark (Pihl-Thingvad, Elklit), OPEN Odense Patient Explorative Network Department of Clinical Research University of Southern Denmark (Pihl-Thingvad), National Research Centre for the Working Environment, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark (Andersen), and Sport Sciences, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University (Andersen).

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/JOM.0000000000001612

PMID

31022098

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess if frequency of occupational violence (OV) affects PTSD symptoms through non- traumatic strains in the occupational context.

METHODS: 12-month prospective survey data on 1763 Social educators was used. Path-analysis measured direct and indirect pathways of frequency of OV on PTSD through; change in time pressure, change in burnout, change in sense of safety at work, and change in coping with regret in patient work.

RESULTS: 42 pct. of the variance in PTSD symptoms was predicted; F (20, 1541) = 36.8, p<.001, R = .42. Frequency of OV indirectly affected level of PTSD through all the mediators; estimated indirect effects = .14, 95% CI [.07 -.22].

CONCLUSION: PTSD resulting from occupational violence is not only a result of the violent acts themselves. It is essential to include the broader context of work environment factors in prevention of work related PTSD.

Language: en