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. 2021 Oct 22;44(6):1014-1030.
doi: 10.1108/pijpsm-06-2021-0085.

Adverse childhood experiences and police mental health

John M Violanti  1 , Anna Mnatsakanova  2 , Ja K Gu  3 , Samantha Service  2 , Michael E Andrew  2
Affiliations

Adverse childhood experiences and police mental health

John M Violanti et al. Policing. .

Abstract

Purpose –: The purpose of this study is to examine cross-sectional associations between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and mental health among police officers.

Design/methodology/approach –: The sample was from the Buffalo Cardio-Metabolic Occupational Police Stress study data (132 male and 51 female officers). Standardized surveys were administered to participants. Regression coefficients were obtained from models adjusted for age, sex, race and alcohol intake. All statistical tests were performed using a statistical significance level at p < 0.05.

Findings –: Regression analyses showed significant positive associations between ACEs and mental health (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD]: β = 1.70, p < 0.001 and depressive symptoms: β = 1.29, p < 0.001). Resiliency significantly modified the association between ACEs and PTSD. A positive and significant association was observed among officers with lower resiliency (β = 2.65, p < 0.001). The association between ACEs and PTSD was stronger among male officers compared to females (β = 2.66, p < 0.001 vs. β = 0.59, p ≤ 0.248, respectively).

Research limitations/implications –: Child abuse and development of PTSD or depression could not be traced through time as this was a cross-sectional study. Recall bias may affect results.

Practical implications –: PTSD and depression associated with ACEs can affect the interpretation of threat and can exacerbate emotional regulation in officers. An inquiry should be expanded regarding work assignments of victimized officers, such as child exploitation and pornography investigation.

Originality/value –: There are few studies on ACEs and the mental health of police officers. The present study is among the first to associate multiple police mental health issues with ACEs.

Keywords: Adverse childhood experiences (ACE); Depressive symptoms; Hopelessness; Law enforcement; PTSD; Resiliency.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Linear relationship of ACEs with PTSD, depression and hopelessness
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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Further reading

    1. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs Preventing early trauma to improve adult health) (2019), available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/aces/index.html (accessed 16 4 2021).
    1. Chase-Lansdale PL, Cherlin AJ and Kiernan KE (1995), “The long-term effects of parental divorce on the mental health of young adults: a developmental perspective”, Child Development, Vol. 66 No. 6, pp. 1614–1634. - PubMed
    1. Crouch E, Probst JC, Radcliff E, Bennett KJ and McKinney SH (2019), “Pevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among US children”, Child Abuse and Neglect, Vol. 92, pp. 209–218, doi: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.04.010. - DOI - PubMed
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    1. Kelly JB and Emery RE (2003), “Children’s adjustment following divorce: risk and resilience perspectives”, Family Relations: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Applied Family Studies, Vol. 52 No. 4, pp. 352–362, doi: 10.1111/j.1741-3729.2003.00352.x. - DOI

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