Abstract
The present study adds to past research on exposure to disturbing media as a driver of burnout and secondary traumatic stress. Research has shown that exposure to this type of media can lead to secondary traumatic stress (STS), burnout, as well as other negative outcomes (Burns, Bradshaw, Morley, & Domene, 2008; Divine, 2010; Krause, 2009; Perez, Jones, Englert, & Sachau, 2010; Stevenson, 2007). In addition, I discuss this type of work as a form of "dirty work" (Ashforth & Kreiner, 1999). I examined the role of various emotional responses and stigma as mediators and moderators of the relationship between exposure and STS and burnout. It was found that neither the number or cases nor length of time working with disturbing media cases (child pornography and sexual violence) were related to STS, burnout, or emotions, contrary to the findings of past research (Divine, 2010; Perez, et al. 2010). However, emotions were related to the negative outcomes, suggesting they play a role in the development of burnout and STS.
Advisor
Lisa M. Perez
Committee Member
Kristie L. Campana
Committee Member
Jeffrey B. Bumgarner
Date of Degree
2011
Language
english
Document Type
Thesis
Degree
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Psychology
College
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Recommended Citation
Harms, A. (2011). The Dirty Work Of Law Enforcement: Emotion, Secondary Traumatic Stress, And Burnout In Federal 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/157/
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