Abstract
Traumatic events not only affect the victims but also professionals that work with the victims (Figley, 1995). Trauma in the form of viewing disturbing media has been tied to negative outcomes such as Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) and burnout (Perez, Jones, Englert, & Sachau, 2010; Stevenson 2007). The present study examined the effects of a resource, social support, on the negative and positive outcomes experienced by law enforcement officers exposed to disturbing media. I examined the relationship between overall support and negative and positive outcomes of exposure. The relationship was also examined for different sources of support: supervisor, coworker, and non-work support. It was found that higher levels of support were related to decreased levels of negative outcomes and increased levels of positive outcomes. Support was also found to moderate the relationship between exposure and STS, professional efficacy, and pride. Different sources of support also predicted specific outcomes.
Advisor
Lisa M. Perez
Committee Member
Daniel Sachau
Committee Member
Marilyn Fox
Date of Degree
2012
Language
english
Document Type
Thesis
Degree
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Psychology
College
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Recommended Citation
Morales, J. (2012). Someone Who Understands: The Effect of Support on Law Enforcement Officers Exposed to Disturbing Media [Master’s thesis, Minnesota State University, Mankato]. Cornerstone: A Collection of Scholarly and Creative Works for Minnesota State University, Mankato. https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/etds/163/
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