Abstract
When considering the connections between suicide/suicidal thoughts and relationships, it has become apparent that there is a multitude of factors and complexities that need to be considered. When law enforcement officers can better understand the relationships, they can better navigate their social connections inside and outside of work. Gaining an awareness of the importance that relationships play in both domains (home and work) can assist officers in being proactive and engaging in healthy social relationships that can either “make or break” life-altering decisions and experiences.
Individual personalities manifest through relationships and personal connections and can be observed in the family members. There are developmental stages in these relationships and connection and when these are initiated by unhealthy dynamics, an apprehensive pattern of attachment, or dysfunctional bonding, the individual can experience cognitive dissonance and behavioral problems.
Psychological stressors, physical demands, and challenges are frequently identified as possible “risk factors” to several unhealthy behaviors, including suicide. With increasing numbers of law enforcement suicides, it is imperative to consider the role of various relational dimensions that constitute an officer’s social world (home, work, etc.) play.
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Bellon, S., Krawczyn, J. (2022). Relationships: A “Make It or Break It” Suicidal Factor. In: Johnson, O., Papazoglou, K., Violanti, J., Pascarella, J. (eds) Practical Considerations for Preventing Police Suicide. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-83974-1_5
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