@article{ref1,
title="Backing the blue: trauma in law enforcement spouses and couples",
journal="Family relations",
year="2020",
author="Landers, Ashley L. and Dimitropoulos, Gina and Mendenhall, Tai J. and Kennedy, Alison and Zemanek, Lindsey",
volume="69",
number="2",
pages="308-319",
abstract="OBJECTIVE To explore the lived experiences of secondary trauma among partners of law enforcement professionals (LEPs). Background Stress is a common occurrence for LEPs. Although research suggests that LEPs are directly affected by trauma exposure, few studies focus on the secondary trauma of partners or spouses of LEPs. <br><br>METHOD Utilizing transcendental phenomenological inquiry, in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of eight spouses of law enforcement recruited from community groups and police departments. <br><br>RESULTS The results revealed three overarching themes of how participants experienced being partnered with an LEP: (a) types of trauma exposure, (b) the ripple impact of trauma, and (c) strength of couples and how they cope with trauma. <br><br>CONCLUSION Findings suggest that spouses are both affected by trauma and serve a supportive role to LEPs following trauma exposure. Because secondary trauma can exacerbate existing difficulties in communication and emotional intimacy within couples' relationships, a greater understanding of the impact of trauma on law enforcement couples may lead to greater resources to help support couples wherein one individual is directly exposed to work-related trauma. Implications Family professionals should promote healthy responses and coping among law enforcement couples following exposure to traumatic events.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0197-6664",
doi="10.1111/fare.12393",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/fare.12393"
}