A behavioral health needs assessment and general psychological well‐being of digital and multimedia forensic examiners

TL;DR

Digital forensic examiners face high stress and mental health challenges, with image analysts being most affected, highlighting the need for better mental health support in the field.

Contribution

This study provides the first behavioral health needs assessment of digital and multimedia forensic examiners, revealing significant psychological distress and barriers to mental health support.

Findings

17% of digital forensic examiners met PTSD diagnostic criteria.

Image analysts reported higher psychological distress and barriers to help-seeking compared to audio and video analysts.

Digital forensic examiners with PTSD reported nine out of 15 mental health stigmas, including fears related to agency culture.

Abstract

Research shows that digital forensic examiners experience high stress levels due to the nature of their jobs involving exposure to disturbing media. This study conducted a needs analysis by examining digital and multimedia forensic examiners' psychological well‐being, coping mechanisms, social support, and attitudes toward and experiences with barriers to counseling and mental health support. Ninety‐four digital and multimedia forensic examiners (DFE) completed the anonymous online survey. Respondents were also asked to self‐report their primary duty within digital forensics (e.g., image, audio, or video analysts) and whether they were also working as an investigator/detective; 53 were DFE‐only, and 41 had dual roles (DFE + detective). Results examined differences in primary duties (e.g., image vs. non‐image analyst) and the number of primary duties (e.g., two vs. three). Of the sample, 36% personally sought counseling due to work‐related stress. Image forensic analysts reported more psychological distress and barriers toward help‐seeking compared with audio and video analysts. 17% (n = 16) of the sample met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD. There were no significant differences between DFE‐only and those working dual roles as detectives on psychological well‐being and attitudes toward mental health support. Finally, digital forensic examiners who met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD reported 9 out of 15 mental health stigmas, many of which included fear associated with agency culture (e.g., “affect my promotion”). Findings support the need for accessible, agency‐supported, and potentially mandated mental health services for DFE to improve well‐being and resiliency.