Dimensions de personnalité et facteurs de stress chez les policiers

Abstract

ObjectivesPolice officers are exposed to chronic and cumulative potentially traumatic events in their careers. The personality influences the development of pathological stress. Literature highlights that positive valence personalities (conscientiousness, extraversion, and openness) are less susceptible to the development of pathological stress than neuroticism. The aim of this study is to assess the influence of personality dimensions on the development of acute stress disorder (ASD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among police officers. Patients or materials and methodsWe presented the research project to several police department heads and police officers in Belgium. We were contacted by volunteer police officers. Then, we organized interviews lasting nearly 2hours. First, we conducted an anamnesis during which police officers identified the most traumatic events experienced in their career. Secondly, we administered diagnostic instruments evaluating ASD (SASRQ), PTSP (TraumaQ) and personality dimensions (BFI-fr). The population includes 83 police officers. ResultsMultiple linear regression analyzes show that neuroticism is the personality dimension influencing the development of acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. It is positively associated with most of their symptoms. Moreover, extraversion appears as the most protective personality dimension against pathological stress symptoms. ConclusionsThe assessment of trauma and personality is therefore important in the selection process of police officers’ candidates and throughout the career. It can be useful in identifying signs of anxiety, or even acute or post-traumatic stress and risk factors related to their development.