Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Kristen L. Dailey

Abstract

Current law enforcement training assumes that police officers can manage their mental health with minimal support. This cultural attitude creates a fear of being unfit if police officers seek assistance for their mental health. Law enforcement suicide rates have outnumbered duty-related deaths in recent years. Statistics show that police officers are twice as likely to die by suicide for reasons related to stress. Mental health treatment is the ideal solution, but research has shown that police officers often reject treatment due to stigma. This qualitative study aimed to examine factors that hindered law enforcement officers from obtaining mental health treatment. The Lazarus theory of stress and coping served as the theoretical foundation to help understand the cognitive process of stress appraisal and positive coping. This study recruited 12 sworn law enforcement officials from the South-Central region of North Carolina. The study used a qualitative research design with semistructured interviews that allowed participants to share their experiences and unique perspectives on mental health. Braun and Clarke's methodology helped to form the thematic analysis. Several subthemes emerged that pointed to a significant distrust for the departmental leadership. Participants feared that the request for mental health support would be used against them and subsequently compromise their employment. Findings provided valuable insight into the induced stress created by para-military training practices. The study will assist decision makers in positive social change through developing policies and training that offer more mental health resources for law enforcement professionals.

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