The impact of cohesive groups in the trauma recovery context: Police spouse survivors and duty-related death

This paper examines the impact of surviving spouse social interactions on psychological distress following the death of a police officer. It was hypothesized that satisfactory interactions within the police work group would lower distress, and unsatisfactory interactions outside the police environment (justice system, media, community persons) would increase distress. Results indicated that increased quality of interactions with police groups lowered psychological distress scores. Despite increased satisfaction with groups outside of policing, spouse's distress still increased, suggesting that satisfaction with and support by police groups appears to ameliorate distress more effectively than others. These findings suggest that police agencies and personnel may be helpful to surviving spouses after the death of an officer and should formulate policy to provide long term contact and assistance.