Occupational exposure to traumatic evidence and posttraumatic stress symptoms in forensic science professionals: Prevalence and patterns

• Published in: Journal of forensic sciences 2023-07, Vol.68 (4), p.1259-1267
• Main Authors: Schiro, Samantha, Elwood, Lisa S., Streed, Thomas, Kivisto, Aaron J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Exposure; Forensic science; forensic science professionals; Forensic sciences; job‐related trauma; Mental disorders; Occupational health; occupational PTSD; Post traumatic stress disorder; Psychological stress; Symptomology; vicarious trauma; witnessed trauma
• ISSN: 0022-1198; 1556-4029
• DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15292

Forensic science professionals are routinely exposed to potentially traumatizing evidence. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of occupational posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among forensic science professionals, identify job‐related correlates of PTSD symptoms, and examine the role of social support in mitigating PTSD symptomology. In response to recruitment through the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors, and Evidence Technology Magazine, 449 forensic science professionals participated in the current study. Results found that 73.5% (n = 330) of the overall sample experienced at least one work‐related traumatic event consistent with meeting Criterion A for PTSD, and these rates were higher for field‐based respondents (n = 203, 87.9%). The prevalence of past‐month provisional PTSD was 21.6% for the full sample. Disaggregated PTSD rates were 29.0% and 14.5% for field‐based and non‐field‐based respondents, respectively. These rates were 6‐ to 8‐fold higher than the past‐year prevalence of PTSD in the general US population, estimated to be 3.5%, and were found to be at least as high as those observed in prior epidemiological research with non‐treatment seeking members of the US military deployed to war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan. Results further showed that social support was protective against PTSD symptomology. The high rates of occupational exposure to trauma and consequent PTSD symptomology observed in this large sample of forensic science professionals highlight the under‐acknowledged psychological risks of these occupations and the need for enhanced attention to mental health resources for these professionals.