NCJ Number
227099
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 78 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2009 Pages: 14-21
Date Published
May 2009
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This research explored the treatment of stress response using spirituality.
Abstract
While only a few studies directly and specifically link spirituality and stress reduction, a growing body of related evidence supports the association of spirituality with positive states of hope and serenity, quality of life, general and spiritual well-being, forgiveness, and physical health. By a logical extension of the current evidence, spirituality has implications for the health of those in the law enforcement profession. Findings suggest that being on the edge can produce callous, unfeeling people whose lives are out of balance. For this reason, topics relative to healing and restoring the wounded spirits of helping professionals have become the foci of recent research. Responses to stress, such as compassion fatigue, spiritual distress, and post-traumatic stress disorder, have emerged over the past decade as major health issues; spirituality has become a viable area of inquiry with well-designed qualitative and quantitative studies conducted by researchers from a variety of professional disciplines. Spirituality, directly or indirectly has been examined in college students, "healthy adults," caregivers of persons diagnosed with schizophrenia, parents of children diagnosed with cancer, and family members of homicide victims. In addition, research has explored the role of spirituality in chronic and terminal illnesses, such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS. The significance of spirituality for wellness and health cannot be dismissed or underestimated. 2 tables and 38 endnotes