NCJ Number
107825
Journal
Police Studies Volume: 10 Issue: 3 Dated: (Fall 1987) Pages: 122-131
Date Published
1987
Length
10 pages
Annotation
If competence, self-coping, efficacy, and higher levels of self-esteem are related to coping effectively with stress in the general population, it would seem likely that these coping traits could have an impact on the high stress associated with police work.
Abstract
This study examines these coping traits as they relate to police officer stress and performance. Numerous studies have established that there exists unique and harmful stress associated with the police occupation; few studies have attempted to identify what coping traits or strategies are successful when applied to surviving a police career. The coping trait that emerged in this study as most related to effective police performance was self-coping efficacy. This variable measures how much officers perceive themselves as effective in stressful situations specific to police work. Self-esteem and the officers' evaluation of their work performance or competence levels were not found to be related to job performance as evaluated by supervisors. Findings revealed no difference among officers with more or less seniority on the job, and minimal differences in study results were found in officers with more or less education. It could be implied that self-coping efficacy is a trait that can be learned or enhanced through in-service training or counseling to assist police officers in coping with their occupational stress. (Publisher abstract)