Perceived Quality of Life, Personality, and Work Experiences:

Abstract

This study investigated the relative contribution made by personality and work-related experiences to a police officer's perceived quality of life (PQOL). The construct validity of the Police Daily Hassles and Uplifts Scales also was examined. Data were provided by 404 police officers drawn from all ranks and work sections within an Australian police department. A series of factor analyses supported the construct validity of the scales, which can be grouped into organizational and operational domains. Hassles and uplifts were shown to be independent. Correlational and regression analyses indicated that organizational, rather than operational, experiences were most important in determining PQOL. The results showed that neuroticism, as well as organizational hassles and uplifts, were significant predictors of PQOL. These findings both challenge the stereotype of policing that suggests operational experiences are most distressing and demonstrate that PQOL is determined by police officers' personality and work-related experiences.