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Psychosocial risks factors among victim support workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a study with the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire.
Caridade, Sónia; Oliveira, Ana; Saavedra, Rosa; Ribeiro, Rita; Santos, Manuela; Almeida, Iris; Soeiro, Cristina.
  • Caridade S; Psychology Research Center, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal. scaridade@psi.uminho.pt.
  • Oliveira A; Interdisciplinary Center for Gender Studies (CIEG) of the Higher Institute of Social and Political Sciences of the University of Lisbon (ISCSP-UL), 1300-663, Lisboa, Portugal. scaridade@psi.uminho.pt.
  • Saavedra R; Portuguese Association for Victim Support (APAV) - PT, Rua José Estêvão, 135 A, Piso 1, 1150-201, Lisboa, Portugal.
  • Ribeiro R; Portuguese Association for Victim Support (APAV) - PT, Rua José Estêvão, 135 A, Piso 1, 1150-201, Lisboa, Portugal.
  • Santos M; Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Crime, Justice and Security (CJS) of School of Criminology of Faculty of Law of Porto (FDUP-UP), 4050-123, Porto, Portugal.
  • Almeida I; Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention, the Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences at the University of Coimbra, 3000-115, Coimbra, Portugal.
  • Soeiro C; Multidisciplinary Research Center of Egas Moniz (CiiEM), Laboratory of Psychology (LabPSI), Egas Moniz Higher Institute of Health Science, Campus Universitário, Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, 2829-511, Almada, Portugal.
BMC Psychol ; 10(1): 114, 2022 May 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1951370
ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

Being a victim support worker (VSW) involves exposure to victims' suffering, pain, and traumatic events, which may trigger the risk of VSWs developing mental health problems. Psychosocial risks (PSR) and work-related stress are considered the most challenging issues in occupational safety and health, considering they impact individuals, organizations, and economies.

METHODS:

The purpose of the present study was to identify the PSR in a sample of 196 Portuguese victim support workers (VSW) (Mean age = 36.49; SD = 10.52). A questionnaire with socio-demographic characteristics, variables related to VSW's job, and the Portuguese medium version of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire II (COPSOQ II) were used to assess these professionals' perception of PSR factors.

RESULTS:

The results reveal that although VSW recognizes some psychosocial factors favourable to their health and well-being, they also identify some PSR that place them at intermediate and severe risk, i.e., emotional and cognitive demands, which are the main areas of risk to the VSW. VSW over 38 years old scored higher in job insecurity, burnout, and offensive behaviours.

CONCLUSIONS:

These findings give important insights into the areas that must be enhanced in this context involving VSW. Additionally, the results highlight the relevance of encouraging a healthy and supportive work environment, preventing and promoting the health and well-being of VSW, particularly when considering the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Occupational Health / COVID-19 Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Adult / Humans Language: English Journal: BMC Psychol Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: S40359-022-00825-5

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Occupational Health / COVID-19 Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Adult / Humans Language: English Journal: BMC Psychol Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: S40359-022-00825-5