EMPATHY, JOB SATISFACTION, AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO THE POSITIVE CONSEQUENCES OF INDIRECT TRAUMA EXPOSURE IN POLICE OFFICERS

<ns3:p>AimAmong the factors determining the occurrence of secondary positive posttraumatic changes in professionals working with people after traumatic experiences, individual characteristics are mentioned, including empathy and job satisfaction. The aim of the study conducted among Polish police officers exposed to indirect trauma was to determine the intensity of secondary posttraumatic growth (SPTG) and its relationship with empathy and job satisfaction.MethodsThe study involved 220 police officers, aged 22-59 years (M = 39,08; SD = 7,00), mostly men (83,2%) who, as part of their duties, had contact with trauma survivors. The analysis employed a set of measurement tools, including a survey and three standard tools: the Secondary Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, the Empathic Sensitivity Scale, and the Job Satisfaction Scale. ResultsThe surveyed police officers reported an average level of secondary posttraumatic growth. SPTG was positively associated with job satisfaction and two aspects of empathy: perspective-taking and empathic concern. Perspective-taking was the strongest predictor of SPTG and its factors.ConclusionsDeveloping empathic abilities and promoting behaviors that contribute to increased job satisfaction may help foster the intensity of positive posttraumatic changes.</ns3:p>