Stress, Coping, burnout and mental health in the Irish Police Force

Abstract

The aims sought to identify the sources of stress and coping responses and their relationship to burnout and mental health in Irish police officers and to explore gender differences and differences between those ‘at risk’ or ‘not at risk’ of a stress-related illness. The unpredictable nature of police work, dealing with the public and potential criminals in often trying circumstances and the ever-present risk of danger and trauma, makes police work one of the most stressful of human-service professions. This area is under-researched in Ireland. A survey was administered, in 2019, to 104 full-time Garda members of the An Garda Síochana, measuring organisational and operational stress, coping style and wellbeing. Organisational stress was a stronger predictor of emotional exhaustion and operational stress of depersonalization. Venting, which, in a supportive environment is usually associated with good coping, had an adverse effect on burnout. This suggested a work environment where individuals felt unsupported. Females experienced higher burnout and more adverse mental health. They reported greater organisational stress, and this may relate to real or perceived gender-based barriers. Age had a protective effect, and this suggests there is scope to improve coping through mentoring schemes or other initiatives to cascade good coping.