Beneath the Uniform: Understanding the Psychological Toll of Public Safety Work and the Systems that Sustain It
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Authors
Vatcher, Alexis
Issue Date
2025-08-25
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
burnout , compassion fatigue , cumulative trauma , dehumanization , eusociality , family spillover effect , fearless dominant personality , first responder , help-seeking barriers , mental health stigma , moral injury , organizational stress , public safety personnel , workplace violence
Alternative Title
Abstract
Public safety personnel (PSP) are faced with a multifaceted array of psychological stressors that extend beyond individual trauma. While many have highlighted operational stress injuries, this capstone examines how identity, culture, and organizational design converge with operational stress injuries to shape long-term mental health outcomes (Carleton et al., 2017). Drawing on the concepts of trauma-informed care (Kim et al., 2021), Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory (1979), and the transactional model of stress and coping (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984), the discussion turns to the literature for an understanding of how distress is manifested within and outside of the PSP work environment. Trends such as burnout, moral injury, and stigma are more than just individual symptoms; often, they are symptomatic of broader systemic issues. In response, this capstone offers a set of recommendations according to cultural significance and experience: building on peer support; increasing flexibility in service delivery; and involving families more actively. The purpose of this capstone is not to provide one specific final solution, but to help change how care is considered and delivered to those who are responsible for keeping others safe.
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Publisher
License
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States
openAccess
openAccess