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Prevalence and Predictors of Suicidal Ideation Among U.S. Law Enforcement Officers

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Abstract

Police officers have often been reported to experience high rates of suicide compared to the general population. Suicidal ideation (SI) is considered a strong predictor of suicidal acts. However, few studies have examined SI in U.S. law enforcement officers. This study investigated the prevalence of SI and the association between SI and amount of subjective work-related traumatic stress, personal relationship stress, work-related but non-traumatic stress, age, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, alcohol use, and posttraumatic growth among law enforcement officers (N = 193) from a Midwestern state. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that greater depression symptoms significantly predicted greater SI among officers.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Kent State University at Stark, 6000 Frank Avenue N.W., North Canton, OH, 44720, USA

    Brian A. Chopko

  2. Center for the Treatment and Study of Traumatic Stress, Summa Health System- St. Thomas Hospital, 444 North Main Street, Akron, OH, 44310, USA

    Patrick A. Palmieri & Vanessa C. Facemire

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  1. Brian A. Chopko
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  2. Patrick A. Palmieri
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  3. Vanessa C. Facemire
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Correspondence to Brian A. Chopko.

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Chopko, B.A., Palmieri, P.A. & Facemire, V.C. Prevalence and Predictors of Suicidal Ideation Among U.S. Law Enforcement Officers. J Police Crim Psych 29, 1–9 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11896-013-9116-z

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