Traumatic stress in Canadian lawyers: A longitudinal study.

Abstract

Numerous professions are considered at risk of developing work-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as per DSM-5. This study sought to identify the prevalence of PTSD among lawyers and its associated work and non-work-related risk and moderating factors. A cross-national sample of Canadian lawyers (N = 169) completed two online surveys 8 months apart. Seven percent of lawyers working with trauma-related cases met the criteria for probable PTSD at study entry only, 7.0% met them at study endpoint only, and an additional 3.5% of the sample met the criteria at both time points, yielding a current (past-month) prevalence of 10.4% and an 8-month cumulative prevalence of 17.5%. Beyond a past diagnosis of PTSD, the most important risk factor was the number of years on the job. Parenthood represented a mitigating factor. Ultimately, the more time spent working on trauma-related cases, the more severe were the PTSD symptoms, although this relationship was moderated by perceived quality of life and work-family balance. Lawyers exposed to trauma-related cases represent an at-risk group for PTSD. The findings highlight the powerful impacts that interpersonal relationships and self-care may have in buffering this health hazard. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).