NCJ Number
127026
Journal
Behavioral Medicine Volume: 15 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1989) Pages: 5-18
Date Published
1990
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This paper describes a study that evaluated the effects of high and low work loads on police officers relative to stress, strain, self-esteem, and interpersonal relations measures.
Abstract
Demographic characteristics and overall levels of stress and strain did not differ among this sample of 376 officers. However, the sources of stress and strain differed greatly among the two groups. Officers with a low workload indicated difficulties in interpersonal relations with peer, community, and supervisors as the sources of stress and strain together with concerns about self-evaluation. On the other hand, in officers with high work loads, stress and strain emanated from stressful events occurring in personal as well as professional lives. The differences between the sources of stress in high and low work loads officers are explained by social comparison, identity, or Selye's stress theories. 4 tables and 18 references (Author abstract modified)