Exposures to potentially psychologically traumatic events: A national study of correctional workers in Canadian provinces and territories.

Abstract

Objective: The knowledge is growing about how exposure to potentially psychologically traumatic events (PPTEs) among provincial and territorial correctional workers in Canada affects their mental health. In the present national study, we examine the frequencies at which correctional workers (n = 3,740) in diverse occupational roles across all provinces and territories are exposed to different PPTEs.

Method: Using robustly established self-report measures in surveys of each provincial and territorial correctional system, participants were grouped into consistent occupational categories to allow for comparisons and measurements of PPTE exposure and mental health disorder prevalence.

Results: Nearly all correctional workers were exposed to most PPTE types, across all employment jurisdictions (M = 9.74, SD = 4.24). The most prevalent PPTE exposure type was physical assault (88.5%), followed by exposure to a sudden violent death (81.1%), sudden accidental death (76.8%), and assault with a weapon (76.0%). The least prevalent PPTE exposure types were combat (25.5%); serious injury, harm, or death you caused to someone else (28.0%); and captivity (35.4%). Most PPTE exposures were related to statistically significantly increased odds of screening positive for various mental health disorders, evidencing correctional workers are frequently experiencing injurious psychological traumas associated with mental health disorder symptoms.

Conclusions: We discuss our results in the context of correctional worker wellness and conclude with recommendations for policies to address mental health treatment and resource gaps in correctional services. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).