Moderating Role of Work Support in Stressor–Burnout Relationship: An Empirical Investigation Among Police Personnel in India

Abstract

Policing has been contended as one of the most stressful occupations around the globe. With increasing police suicide cases and an upsurge in misconduct toward civilians by the police in India, a study on police stress and burnout was necessitated. The present study aimed at identifying the antecedents of burnout among police personnel. It further investigated the role of work support as a protective factor moderating the stressor and burnout relationship. A survey was conducted in the capital state of India. A total of 491 police personnel at inspector and sub-inspector rank from 128 police stations participated in this study. Multiple and hierarchical regression analyses were performed to examine the antecedents of burnout and to assess the buffering role of work support. The findings of the study revealed that among the several stressors, organizational and work–home interface positively significantly contributed to the development of burnout. The evidence for work support as a moderator was also observed. The findings of this study offer several practical implications to combat police stress and burnout. This study contributes to the growing literature on police burnout in the Indian context and highlights the role of work support in the policing context.