What the study found
The study found that many Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) employees reported mental health symptoms or a diagnosis, and that employees also described hypervigilance, sleep disturbance, and stigma connected to working in secrecy. The authors present these as mental health concerns within a public safety organization.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors say the findings matter because CSIS is a public safety service responsible for national security, and the study suggests mental health needs in this setting deserve attention. The authors also conclude that the findings may help improve employee mental health in CSIS and other public safety sectors.
What the researchers tested
The researchers interviewed 38 CSIS employees to understand their mental health, the effects of their work, and the degree of mental health stigma in the organization. They also examined how secrecy, which is required in this work, shaped employees' experiences.
What worked and what didn't
Among interviewees, 61% reported being diagnosed with or having symptoms of a mental health disorder in adulthood or after starting the job. Employees without a diagnosis still described symptoms consistent with compromised mental health, and participants from both groups reported hypervigilance and disturbed sleep. The study also found unique forms of stigma tied to mandated secrecy.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe a comparison group or provide details on how employees were selected. It also does not report whether the study measured changes over time, so the findings are limited to the interviewed employees and the information shared in the abstract.
Key points
- The study interviewed 38 CSIS employees.
- Sixty-one percent reported a mental health diagnosis or symptoms in adulthood or after employment began.
- Employees described hypervigilance and sleep disturbance related to their work.
- The abstract reports unique mental health stigma linked to mandated secrecy.
- The authors suggest the findings may help improve mental health in CSIS and other public safety sectors.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- CSIS employees reported mental health symptoms and unique stigma
- Authors:
- Rosemary Ricciardelli, Matthew S. Johnston, Stanley R. MacLellan
- Institutions:
- Charles Sturt University, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Memorial University of Newfoundland
- Publication date:
- 2026-04-02
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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