Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Jessica Hart

Abstract

Police stress is an ongoing concern in law enforcement; however, limited research has demonstrated how work-related stress affected life partners of police officers. According to Selye’s stress theory, the occupational demands placed on individuals can negatively impact their personal lives and their relationships. Law enforcement officers, especially those working cases that are sexual in nature, experience significant emotional distress. This study sought to examine the lived experiences of the partners of those who work in Crimes Against Children (CAC) units. CAC units include investigative evidence that has been considered traumatic. Specific examination of stress that life partners experience was conducted through five semi structured interviews and interpretative phenomenological analysis was utilized to better understand participants’ phenomenology. Transcription instrumentation was used to analyze respondents’ answers to open-ended questions and was coded. Findings indicted that the participants all discussed the same themes which were the experience of behavioral change in their significant other, spouse's experience of communication with their significant other, and spouse's experience of change in role model behavior. On this basis, with the understanding of secondary stress posed from one person to another, more supports and services could specifically assist life partners and lead to more positive social change.

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