Backing the Blue: Trauma in Law Enforcement Spouses and Couples. Issue 2 (21st October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Landers, Ashley L.; Dimitropoulos, Gina; Mendenhall, Tai J.; Kennedy, Alison; Zemanek, Lindsey
• Is Part Of: Family relations. Volume 69:Issue 2(2020)
• Page Start: 308
• Page End: 319
• Publication Date: 2019-10-21
• Subjects: couples -- law enforcement -- secondary trauma; Families -- Periodicals; Family life education -- Periodicals; Family social work -- Periodicals; 306.85
• DOI: 10.1111/fare.12393
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0197-6664

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To explore the lived experiences of secondary trauma among partners of law enforcement professionals (LEPs). Background: Stress is a common occurrence for LEPs. Although research suggests that LEPs are directly affected by trauma exposure, few studies focus on the secondary trauma of partners or spouses of LEPs. Method: Utilizing transcendental phenomenological inquiry, in‐depth qualitative interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of eight spouses of law enforcement recruited from community groups and police departments. Results: The results revealed three overarching themes of how participants experienced being partnered with an LEP: (a) types of trauma exposure, (b) the ripple impact of trauma, and (c) strength of couples and how they cope with trauma. Conclusion: Findings suggest that spouses are both affected by trauma and serve a supportive role to LEPs following trauma exposure. Because secondary trauma can exacerbate existing difficulties in communication and emotional intimacy within couples' relationships, a greater understanding of the impact of trauma on law enforcement couples may lead to greater resources to help support couples wherein one individual is directly exposed to work‐related trauma. Implications: Family professionals should promote healthy responses and coping among law enforcement couples following exposure to traumatic events.