Date of Conferral
2021
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Criminal Justice
Advisor
David Milen
Abstract
Acute stress can have a negative effect on the physiology and cognitive performance of peace officers when they are engaged in high-stress situations. This could lead to injury or loss of life if a mistaken perception occurs or incorrect decision is made by the officer or suspect. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the perceptions of stress for peace officers who issue verbal commands to an aggressive role-playing suspect in a use-of-force scenario. The theoretical framework was Lazarus and Folkman's transactional theory of stress and coping. Data were collected from observations, field notes, and semi-structured interviews with 10 peace officers who were immersed in the realistic training scenario. Data from the field notes and interviews were coded and categorized for thematic analysis. Themes that emerged were breathing via verbal commands, realism, stress and anxiety, and perceived control. Implications for social change include increased safety for peace officers and the protection of life.
Recommended Citation
Gibson, John Kenneth, "Stress Perceptions and Verbal Commands for Law Enforcement in High-Stress Situations" (2021). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 9736.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/9736
