Brian Chopko
Biography
Dr. Brian Chopko is a full professor in the Department of Sociology & Criminology at the Kent State University Stark campus. He received his Ph.D. in Counseling Education and Supervision from The University 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 Kent State University, 2001
B.A. Criminal Justice, Kent State 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.
