Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Matthew Geyer

Abstract

AbstractThis phenomenological study was conducted to explore retired police officers’ perceptions of their retirement and the factors that positively or negatively affected their retirement. This issue is critical to explore to ensure that officers receive the support they need to transition out of their career into retirement positively and manage some of the emotional turmoil that have been seen to result from retirement (e.g., denial, stress, anger, anxiety). A conceptual framework was designed integrating the theory of continuity and the role theory of retirement. Three research questions were designed to focus the inquiry: How do retired police officers perceive their own psychosocial experiences during their retirement? What factors positively impact the retirement of police officers? What factors negatively impact the retirement of police officers? Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 retired police officers in the northeastern region of the United States. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was conducted on the transcripts revealing themes relevant to the research questions. Major challenges reported by officers included feeling powerless to help others, being unable to contribute, and losing their self-identity. Benefits included more time and less stress, provided that the officers were emotionally, mentally, and financially prepared. Many reported missing their job. This reinforces previous research and development of theory related to role identity. As a critical element of the social infrastructure in the United States, law enforcement faces numerous dangerous and stressful experiences. This research has critical implications for law enforcement agencies with retiring officers who are looking for information they can use to help their older officers prepare for retirement.

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