"Perceptions of Law Enforcement Spouses Regarding Officer Safety and Da" by Heidi Marie Rose

Date of Conferral

1-10-2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Wayne Wallace

Abstract

Policing is a stressful and dangerous occupation that is imperative to a functioning society, and stress should be limited to ensure a healthy mind and body. The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of law enforcement spouses regarding officer safety and danger, which was lacking in the research. Law enforcement spouses have a significant impact over the stress levels of their loved ones. The work–life balance and work–family conflict theories were the theoretical framework used to relate to the study and support the research. The generic qualitative design was used with semistructured interviews to gather research data to determine the perceptions of law enforcement spouses regarding officer safety and danger. The research sample included 12 participants who were at least 18 years or older, legally married to police officers in large urban Texas community, and able to read, write, and understand English. Thematic analysis with an inductive process was used to develop themes and analyze the data. The results of this study disclosed the participants felt a heightened state of fear when police officers were injured, had to deal with the public, or during periods of negative sentiment portrayed in the media. Understanding the stressors of law enforcement officers may benefit criminal justice agencies and society by developing opportunities for growth of professionalism in policing. Stress can be compounded by a lack of work–life balance and higher levels of work–family conflict, which demonstrates the importance of understanding the perceptions of law enforcement spouses. Positive social change implications included higher levels of professionalism to assist in positive community interactions and repairing the relationship between citizens and law enforcement.

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