NCJ Number
215039
Journal
Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology Volume: 21 Issue: 1 Dated: June 2006 Pages: 41-53
Date Published
June 2006
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study assessed avoidance coping, occupational stress, and psychological distress in a law enforcement officer sample consisting of mainly White, married males.
Abstract
Results indicated that officers reported higher levels of psychological distress than the general population. Officers who reported using avoidant coping strategies experienced the highest levels of occupational stress and psychological distress. The findings suggest that officers who use avoidant coping when experiencing stressful incidents are more likely to experience psychological distress. Intervention strategies should focus on decreasing occupational stress which should, in turn, decrease avoidant behaviors and improve the psychological health of officers. Participants were 48 sworn police officers serving a city of approximately 75,000 people. Participants completed a series of questionnaires that assessed their demographic information, coping styles, psychological distress, and occupational stress. Statistical data analysis included the use of Spearman correlations and hierarchical regressions. Future studies should focus on developing interventions that minimize the impact of occupational stress. Tables, references