NCJ Number
96633
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 52 Issue: 2 Dated: (February 1985) Pages: 40,45-49
Date Published
1985
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The article details trauma stress managment goals and then, using the analogy of a pressure cooker, describes methods to relieve the long-term stress common in law enforcement,
Abstract
The effects of long-term stress usually develop over weeks, months, or even years and lead to serious physical, emotional, and behavioral problems and ultimately premature death. While any life event can evoke stress, every type of stress response can be resolved or released. Trauma stress usually is caused by a single, easily identified event. There are five management goals for trauma stress: recognize and accept the trauma; talk it over; practice physical release, ranging from deep breathing to vigorous exercise; get professional help if the symptoms of trauma stress continue 2 weeks after the event; and practice stres inoculation 2 weeks after the event; and practice stress inoculation, such as role playing stressful situations. The pressure cooker model for understanding and managing long-term stress has four key goals. The first is to adjust the 'heat' or amount of stressors, while regulate the 'water' or use personal stress resources to neutralize the damaging effects of stress. The third goal is constructive release, as in the pressure cooker's valve, and can be exercise or a midweek lunch with a friend. The last goal involves keeping the body strong enough to resist the negative effects of stress through adequate relaxation, nutrition, and sleep. Diagrams and footnotes are supplied.