Stress and Health in the Police: A Conceptual Framework

Abstract

Abstract Previous studies have revealed high rates of health problems such as alcohol abuse, posttraumatic stress disorder, heart diseases, and suicidal behaviour in the police. Numerous variables in the context of police work that affect police officers’ health have already been identified. This includes, for example, operational and organizational stressors inherent in policing, prevailing coping styles, and subcultural characteristics. However, a theoretical model that provides a conceptual framework for the empirical findings is still lacking. The present article aims to close this gap by applying the general biopsychosocial model and the vulnerability-stress model on the impact of police stress on health. It starts by giving an overview of the concepts of vulnerability, stress, coping, and health. Based on a review of police stress research, several biological, psychological, and social factors that are particularly relevant in police work are presented. These aspects are then integrated into a conceptual framework.