Date of Conferral

4-21-2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Wayne Wallace

Abstract

This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of police officers working second and third shifts and how these schedules impacted their subjective well-being, mental health, relationships, and life satisfaction. This study addressed an important research problem because limited research has examined how night shifts and shift changes impact police officers’ well-being. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine how police officers experienced shift work and shift changes while working second and third shifts and how they made meaning of these experiences in relation to subjective well-being. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, this study was grounded in restorative rest and tactical stamina theory and a job demands-resources lens rooted in social support theory. The research question asked: What are the lived experiences of officers working second and third shifts regarding the impact of shift work on their subjective well-being? Data was collected through semistructured interviews with 11 active police officers who worked rotating, second, or third shifts. Findings showed that shift work impacted sleep, health, relationships, and organizational support. Results showed that predictable schedules and available supports shaped officers’ experiences, while frequent shift changes were associated with poorer sleep, irritability, reduced energy, and strain. This study concluded that shift demands, recovery, and support shaped shift work outcomes. Recommendations include improving schedule predictability and strengthening wellness and family-centered supports. The implications for positive social change include better support for police officers, retention, family stability, and safer police-community interactions.

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