Mitigating SAD States and Maladaptive Coping in Law Enforcement: Enhance Emotional Competence

Abhishek Sharma; Ekta Yaduvanshi; Ankita Sharma; Proshanto Kumar Saha

doi:10.52756/ijerr.2024.v40spl.010

Authors

Abhishek Sharma Department of Psychology, Sardar Patel University of Police, Security and Criminal Justice Jodhpur- 342037, Rajasthan, India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1788-6488
Ekta Yaduvanshi Department of Psychology, Sardar Patel University of Police, Security and Criminal Justice Jodhpur- 342037, Rajasthan, India https://orcid.org/0009-0008-2380-8674
Ankita Sharma School of Liberal Arts, IIT Jodhpur- 342030, Rajasthan, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1171-838X
Proshanto Kumar Saha Department of Psychology Rajiv Gandhi University, Doimukh- 791112, Arunachal Pradesh, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6464-0686

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52756/ijerr.2024.v40spl.010

Keywords:

Anxiety, Depression, Emotional competence, Maladaptive coping, Stress

Abstract

Mental health is as essential as physical health for law enforcement officers to protect our country and communities. Law enforcement professionals frequently encounter stressors that can lead to maladaptive coping strategies and contribute to elevated levels of stress, anxiety, and depression (SAD). This study aimed to evaluate the emotional competency and coping mechanisms utilized by police officers and their impact on psychosocial challenges within the force. Additionally, the research sought to determine the prevalence and influence of stress, anxiety, and depression (SAD) among Rajasthani police officers. A total of 689 officers participated in the survey. After data cleaning, 681 responses were considered complete and suitable for analysis. The findings reveal a concerning prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress among police officers, exacerbated by their use of maladaptive coping mechanisms to navigate these challenges. The study emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the psychological health of law enforcement professionals. It advocates for interventions designed to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression (SAD) and encourages police officers to adopt healthier coping mechanisms. The use of emotional coping techniques has been shown to significantly reduce SAD among police officers. These findings underscore the need to address emotional competence as a fundamental component of police officer training and support systems. By equipping law enforcement professionals with the necessary skills to navigate stressors and build resilience, organizations can promote the psychological well-being of officers and enhance overall job performance and satisfaction. This study emphasizes the imperative of investing in the mental health of law enforcement officers and calls for concerted efforts to bolster their overall well-being and optimize their performance in safeguarding communities.

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