Influence of personal and social characteristics on the formation of mental trauma in police officers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

Relevance. Due to the peculiarities of professional activity, the COVID-19 pandemic for police officers was associated not only with a high risk of infection, but also pronounced mental stress and emotional destabilization, with higher risk of developing severe psychological consequences. In police officers, incidence of a new coronavirus infection, according to departmental statistics, was 6.6 times higher than in general population and close to that of healthcare workers of the Ministry of Health of Russia. High risk of COVID-19 infection in police officers during performance of their duties contributes to the symptoms of psychoemotional maladjustment and a constant state of chronic tension and emotional stress. Identification of the causes of professional maladjustment is important for justification of preventive measures and search for markers of professional success in employees of internal affairs bodies.

Intention. To identify the influence of personal and social characteristics on the formation of mental trauma in police officers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methodology. A complete empirical study of 371 male employees of the divisions of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia in Moscow was conducted. Three groups were identified: 1st – 127 police officers with positive test results and clinical manifestations of COVID-19; 2nd – 118 persons released from duty and quarantined due to their contacts with COVID-19 patients; 3rd – 126 police officers who were on duty to protect public order in crowded places during the COVID-19 pandemic. An experimental psychological survey of the police officers was conducted using electronic digital resources to comply with anti-epidemic measures.

Results and Discussion. Symptoms of emotional burnout against the background of stressful service were shown to contribute to the formation of mental trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic in all surveyed police officers. Specifically, Group 1 typically demonstrates anxiety-phobic reactions; Group 2 – dysthymic-pessimistic outlook; and Group 3 – decreased neuropsychiatric stability, pronounced exhaustion and fatigue associated with official duties.

Conclusion. The obtained data should be taken into account when conducting psychocorrection and medical and psychological rehabilitation of police officers in emergency situations associated with the long-term psychosocial and occupational stress.

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