Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2020 Law Enforcement Stress, Gender, and Work Performance Angelia L. Harger Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Psychology Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Angelia L. Harger has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Kristen Beyer, Committee Chairperson, Psychology Faculty Dr. Denise Horton, Committee Member, Psychology Faculty Dr. Victoria Latifses, University Reviewer, Psychology Faculty Chief Academic Officer and Provost Sue Subocz, Ph.D. Walden University 2020 Abstract Law Enforcement Stress, Gender, and Work Performance by Angelia L. Harger MA, Walden University 2012 BS, Murray State University 2009 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Forensic Psychology Walden University February 2020 Abstract Police officers experience continuous periods of work-related stressors throughout their careers, affecting job performance, sleep, and family life. However, there is limited qualitative research in the area of police officer gender and stress, in law enforcement. Therefore, the purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study, guided by resilience theory, was to examine how gender and stress influence work performance, sleep, and family life in police officers. Six male and 4 female patrol officers were individually interviewed to gather information related to (a) their experiences regarding stress, (b) signs and symptoms of stress, (c) how gender affects stress, and (d) their coping mechanisms. Results revealed themes related to family and social interaction, health, and work performance. Underlying themes for females were (a) female roles, (b) judged, (c) more work stress than males, (d) mother role at work, (e) psychological talkers, (f) stress eating, (g) weight, (h) stereotypes, (i) emotional, and (j) better listeners. Themes identified for the males were (a) that they were challenged less than females, (b) carry their workload, (c) male health, (d) anger, (e) internalization, (f) role of a male, and (g) block things out. This study could impact social change by creating awareness of and education regarding identifying work-related stress, the importance of early intervention, and the development of resources specific to gender when indicated for optimal health and wellness for police officers, law enforcement personnel, and their families. Law Enforcement Stress, Gender, and Work Performance by Angelia L. Harger MA, Walden University 2012 BS, Murray State University 2009 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Forensic Psychology Walden University February 2020 Table of Contents List of Tables ...................................................................................................................... v Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ................................................................................... 1 Background ..................................................................................................................... 1 Problem Statement .......................................................................................................... 4 Purpose of the Study ....................................................................................................... 4 Research Question .......................................................................................................... 5 Framework ...................................................................................................................... 5 Definition of Terms ........................................................................................................ 6 Assumptions, Limitations, Scope and Delimitations ...................................................... 6 Significance .................................................................................................................... 8 Summary ......................................................................................................................... 8 Chapter 2: Literature Review ............................................................................................ 10 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 10 Literature Search Strategy ......................................................................................... 11 Resiliency Theory ..................................................................................................... 12 Gender in Work Performance ................................................................................... 13 Effects of Work-related Stress in Police Officers ..................................................... 14 Conceptual Framework ................................................................................................. 15 Qualitative Research ................................................................................................. 15 Literature Review ......................................................................................................... 16 Gender and Family .................................................................................................... 16 i Male vs. Female Police Officer Stance ..................................................................... 26 Stressors .................................................................................................................... 26 Sleep Issues ................................................................................................................... 35 Health ........................................................................................................................ 42 Personal Risk Factors for Work Related Stress ........................................................ 53 Programs ................................................................................................................... 56 Assessment ................................................................................................................ 58 Police Officer Wellness Programs ................................................................................ 59 Effects of Stress ........................................................................................................ 59 Wellness .................................................................................................................... 60 Intervention and Wellness Programs ........................................................................ 61 Summary ....................................................................................................................... 62 Chapter 3: Research Method ............................................................................................. 64 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 64 Research Design and Rationale .................................................................................... 65 Definition of Central Concepts ................................................................................. 65 Roles of the Researcher ................................................................................................ 67 Methodology ................................................................................................................. 69 Participant Selection Logic ....................................................................................... 69 Instrumentation ............................................................................................................. 71 Procedures for Recruitment, Participation, and Data Collection .................................. 72 ii Data Analysis Plan .................................................................................................... 73 Issues of Trustworthiness.............................................................................................. 75 Credibility ................................................................................................................. 75 Dependability ............................................................................................................ 76 Conformability .......................................................................................................... 77 Ethical Procedures ........................................................................................................ 77 Summary and Conclusion ............................................................................................. 80 Chapter 4: Results ............................................................................................................. 81