Post-traumatic Embitterment Disorder in UK Authorised Firearms Officers Following Post-incident Procedures: A Cross-Sectional Web Survey

Abstract

In the United Kingdom, authorised firearms officers (AFOs) respond to the most serious threats, and in situations where a weapon is discharged may be subject to a post-incident investigation. The investigation may feel unjust and lead to post-traumatic embitterment disorder (PTED), however, there is a lack of research on PTED in this group. The current study estimated the prevalence, predictors, and outcomes of PTED in 40 UK AFOs with experience of a post-incident procedure following a firearms-related incident. An online cross-sectional survey was hosted on Qualtrics, and participants were recruited via a gatekeeper at one UK police force. PTED was assessed using the PTED self-rating scale. Potential predictors and outcomes were measured using surveys of personal and general belief in a just world (BJW), including belief in distributive justice (i.e., fair outcomes) and procedural justice (i.e., fair processes), anger, and social desirability. Participants reported whether they had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression, and whether they experienced the post incident investigation as more problematic than the firearms incident. Results showed 15% of participants displayed clinically relevant levels of PTED. Having a possible post-traumatic stress disorder and/or depression diagnosis, feeling as though the post-incident procedure and subsequent treatment were more problematic than the incident itself, and a lack of belief in personal distributive justice, increased the risk of experiencing PTED and PTED predicted increased feelings of anger. Measures are needed to ensure the post-incident procedure delivers fair outcomes and that AFOs are given the right targeted support throughout the process.