Brian Chopko
Biography
Dr. Brian Chopko is a full professor in the Department of Sociology & Criminology at the ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ University Stark campus. He received his Ph.D. in Counseling Education and Supervision from ¾«¶«Ó°ÒµUniversity of Akron in 2007. Dr. Chopko’s teaching and research interests include mental health issues related to the criminal justice system, influenced by his experience as both a law enforcement officer and licensed professional mental health counselor. His main area of research focus involves occupational and traumatic stress as experienced by law enforcement officers.
CURRENT/ONGOING RESEARCH
Dr. Chopko is the principal investigator of a study investigating post-traumatic reactions and wellness in law enforcement officers. Additionally, he is a member of an international research team involving a collaboration of faculty/staff from universities/agencies in different countries.
RECENT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
Chopko, B.A., Davis, J., Papazoglou, K., Adams, R.E., Pelger T., & Palmieri, P.A.
Predictors of Cognitive and Behavioral Posttraumatic Growth in Police Academy Cadets: An Exploratory Study. Presented at the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies annual conference. Boston, MA, September 28, 2024.
Chopko, B.A., Davis, J., Adams, R.E., Pelger T., & Palmieri, P.A.
Mindful Nonjudging and Posttraumatic Reactions in Police Academy Cadets. Presented at the American Society of Criminology annual conference. Philadelphia, Pa. November 16, 2023.
Education
M.A. Rehabilitation Counseling ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ University, 2001
B.A. Criminal Justice, ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ University, 1994
Publications
- Chopko, B. A., Adams, R. E., Davis, J., Pelger, T. L., & Palmieri, P. A. (2024). Mindful non-judging and posttraumatic reactions in police academy cadets: A path analysis. Mindfulness, 15(7), 1803–1813.
- Chopko, B. A., Adams, R. E., Davis, J., Dunham, S. M., & Palmieri, P. A. (2022). Associations Between Mindfulness, PTSD Symptoms, and Posttrauamtic Growth in Police Academy Cadets: An Exploratory Study. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 1-9.
- Chopko, B.A., Palmieri, P.A., & Adams, R.E. (2021). Trauma-Related Sleep Problems and Associated Health Problems in Police Officers: A Path Analysis. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 36, 1-24.
- Chopko, B.A., Palmieri, P.A., & Adams, R.E. (2019). Posttraumatic Growth in Relation to the Frequency and Severity of Traumatic Experiences Among Police Officers in Small to Mid-Size Departments. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 34, 1247-1260
- Chopko, B.A., Papazoglou, K., & Schwartz, R. (2018). Mindfulness-Based Psychotherapy Approaches for First Responders: From Research to Clinical Practice. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 1-10.
- Chopko, B.A., Palmieri, P.A., & Adams, R.E. (2017). Relationships Among Traumatic Experiences, PTSD, and Posttraumatic Growth for Police Officers: A Path Analysis. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 1-6.
Documents
