Self-determination trajectories during police officers' vocational training program: A growth mixture analysis

Abstract

This study examines the evolution of police officers' global self-determination trajectories over the course of a vocational training program. We also examine the effects of mental load, work load, emotional load, and peer support on these trajectories. Moreover, this study documents the implications of these trajectories for a variety of outcomes (positive and negative affect, and performance). A sample of 1676 police officers completed all measures four times over the course of a vocational training. Longitudinal growth mixture analyses (GMA) revealed three distinct trajectories of self-determined motivation for the training (High, Moderate, and Low). Results showed that mental load increased the likelihood of membership into the High profile relative to the Moderate and Low profiles. Similarly, peer support increased the likelihood of membership into the High profile relative to the Moderate profile. In contrast, emotional load increased the likelihood of membership into the Moderate and High profiles relative to the Low profile. Finally, the High profile was associated with the highest levels of positive affect and performance, and the lowest levels of negative affect.