Abstract
M.A. (Clinical Psychology)
The high incidence of suicide and medical boardings for psychological reasons in the South
African Police Service necessitated an investigation into whether officers who seek medical
help have been exposed to more traumatic violence than those who do not seek assistance.
A Group of policemen who had sought psychiatric help was compared with a control group
of officers who had not sought assistance in terms of the nature and seriousness of
posttraumatic stress disorder. depression. anxiety and other stress factors.
The experimental group revealed significantly higher levels of posttraumatic stress disorder.
depression and anxiety than the control group. This was related to more exposure to
situations of personal threat and a predisposition to trait anxiety. Other negative life
experiences did not have a meaningful impact.
Of importance is the fact that the control group that did not seek assistance. in comparison
with the general population. nonetheless displayed significant levels of posttraumatic stress
disorder. This group however responded more stable family relationships and social support
than the officers seeking psychiatric help. These variables may play a moderating role in the
prevention of psychiatric symptomatology in members of the South African Police Service
who are exposed to traumatic stress.