Male police officers and stigma associated with counseling: The role of anticipated risks, anticipated benefits and gender role conflict.

Abstract

Using a sample of 178 male law enforcement officers, we tested a mediation model in which the linkage between male gender role conflict (GRC) and the stigma associated with counseling could be accounted for by either the risks or the benefits associated with counseling. GRC predicted seeing fewer benefits and greater risks associated with counseling, and all three of these variables were associated with the stigma assigned to counseling. However, mediation was demonstrated only in regards to the relationship between GRC, anticipated risk, and stigma. Anticipated benefit did not mediate the relationship between GRC and stigma. The nature of the findings, as well as their implications, is discussed.

A longitudinal assessment of the road to mental readiness training among municipal police

“…Despite the mental health risks faced by police, evidence suggests cultural stigma and fear of reprisal appear to be significant barriers to seeking treatment (Wester, Arndt, Sedivy, & Arndt, 2010). In particular, Karaffa and Koch (2016, p. 761) report police officers' decision-making regarding seeking mental health assistance can be influenced by a desire to avoid what they believe are other officers' perceptions; specifically, that those who seek help may be unable to perform their duties or "be relied upon for backup", as well as that other officers are less likely than they are to seek help.…”

Help-Seeking Behaviors of Men for Mental Health and the Impact of Diverse Cultural Backgrounds

“…Psychological self-assurance predicted promotions in the U.S. Military Academy over four years (Bartone, Eid, Johnson, Laberg, & Snook, 2009) as well predicted successful completion of a training program for U.S. Army Special Forces (Bartone, Roland, Picano, & Williams, 2008). Police officers' conflict between the norms of gender and their personal role as a man was associated with stigma toward counseling (Wester, Arndt, Sedivy, & Arndt, 2010).…”

Job-related burnout among juvenile probation officers: Implications for mental health stigma and competency.

“…Originally validated in college students, the SSRPH has demonstrated acceptable internal consistency for helping professionals, including police officers (α = .80) (Wester, Arndt, Sedivy, & Arndt, 2010). For the current study, the wording for items was slightly modified, so that "psychologist" was replaced with "mental health provider."…”