The Accumulated Impact of Direct and Indirect Workplace Violence Exposure on Mental Health and Physiological Activity among Correctional Officers

These flashcards are based on the study by Schwartz and Allen on the impact of violence exposure in correctional officers, including the effects on mental health and physiological responses.

What is the main focus of Schwartz and Allen's 2024 study on correctional officers?

The study examines the impact of direct and indirect workplace violence exposure on mental health and physiological activity among correctional officers.

What are the two types of violence exposure discussed in the study?

Direct violence (being the target of an assault) and indirect violence (responding to or witnessing a violent incident).

How does direct assault exposure relate to mental health problems according to the study?

Greater accumulation of direct assault exposures increases the overall incidence of mental health problems among correctional officers.

What findings did the study reveal regarding indirect violence exposures and cortisol levels?

The accumulation of indirect assault exposures was associated with subsequent changes in cortisol levels.

What are the three mental health issues explored in relation to violence exposure in correctional officers?

PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

According to the study, what physiological systems are indicators of stress responsivity?

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS).

What surprising finding did the research reveal about indirect violence exposures and mental health symptoms?

Indirect violence exposures did not significantly impact self-reported mental health symptoms such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

What hypothesis did Schwartz and Allen propose regarding the effects of direct violence exposure compared to indirect exposure?

They hypothesized that the effects of direct violence exposure would be greater than those of indirect exposure.

What challenge do correctional officers face regarding occupational violence according to the study?

Correctional officers experience a unique work environment where they are significantly more likely to experience workplace violence than those in other occupations.

What recommendations do Schwartz and Allen suggest for future programming for correctional officers?

Programming should target both direct and indirect violence exposures to mitigate negative stress-related outcomes.