Stress and psychological wellbeing in british police force officers and staff

Abstract

Informed by the Demand Resources and Individual Effects model (DRIVE; Mark & Smith, 2008), we assessed how work and individual characteristics were associated with perceived job stress, and psychological wellbeing outcomes (e.g., anxiety, depression, positive mood) in a cross-sectional study with two British police forces (N = 852 officers and staff). Work characteristics predicted psychological wellbeing outcomes both directly and indirectly through the perception of job stress. Work resources and individual characteristics moderated the relationships between work demands, perception of job stress and psychological wellbeing outcomes. The associations between perception of work demands, job stress and psychological wellbeing outcomes were improved in police officers and staff who reported moderate-high physical activity behavior. This study added new knowledge to the domain as it was the first to test the DRIVE model in its entirety in an occupational setting. It also provided new insight into the multi-dimensional factors associated with psychological wellbeing in policing. Practically, the findings implied a reduction of work demands, or interventions that target appraisals and/or physical activity might improve psychological wellbeing in police workers.