Traumatic stress in Canadian lawyers: A longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE: Numerous professions are considered at risk of developing work-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as per DSM-5. This study sought to identify the prevalence of PTSD among lawyers and its associated work and non-work-related risk and moderating factors. METHOD: A cross-national sample of Canadian lawyers (N = 169) completed two online surveys 8 months apart. RESULTS: Seven percent of lawyers working with trauma-related cases met the criteria for probable PTSD at study entry only, 7.0% met them at study endpoint only, and an additional 3.5% of the sample met the criteria at both time points, yielding a current (past-month) prevalence of 10.4% and an 8-month cumulative prevalence of 17.5%. Beyond a past diagnosis of PTSD, the most important risk factor was the number of years on the job. Parenthood represented a mitigating factor. Ultimately, the more time spent working on trauma-related cases, the more severe were the PTSD symptoms, although this relationship was moderated by perceived quality of life and work-family balance. CONCLUSIONS: Lawyers exposed to trauma-related cases represent an at-risk group for PTSD. The findings highlight the powerful impacts that interpersonal relationships and self-care may have in buffering this health hazard. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Corrigendum: Conspiracy Theories: A Public Health Concern and How to Address It.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.682931.].

Conspiracy Theories: A Public Health Concern and How to Address It.

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic was characterized by a significant increase in the endorsement of conspiracy theories. Conspiracy theories are narratives that can enable and accentuate distrust toward health professionals and authorities. As such, they can lead to violent radicalization and should be considered a public health issue. This perspective article aims to further the understanding of professionals on conspiracy theories via the 3N model of radicalization and self-determination theory. Based on empirical research, theory, and existing interventions, potential initiatives intended to tackle the issue of conspiracy theories during pandemics are also presented.