STRESS PREVENTION AND SUICIDE RISK MITIGATION IN POLICE OFFICERS
Keywords:
Police officers, Mental health, Stress, Suicide risk, Prevention strategiesAbstract
Police officers are exposed to significant occupational stress due to high-risk duties, demanding responsibilities, and structural limitations within the organization. These stressors contribute to increased mental health problems, including depression and suicide risk. This qualitative study aimed to (1) explore the causes and contributing factors of stress, depression, and suicide risk among police officers, and (2) propose preventive and remedial strategies to address these mental health challenges. Data were collected from 40 key informants, including supervisors, colleagues, and family members of police officers who died by suicide between 2023 and 2024. Participants were selected through purposive sampling. Field data were gathered between September and October 2024 using semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using content analysis.
The study identified three major categories of contributing factors: (1) Physical and biological factors, such as chemical imbalances in the brain, chronic illness, and substance dependence; (2) Psychological factors, including job-related stress, burnout, isolation, low self-esteem, and gambling addiction; and (3) Physical and biological factors, such as chemical imbalances in the brain, chronic physical illnesses, and substance dependence, such as alcohol. Proposed interventions include proactive mental health monitoring, financial counseling, welfare improvements, mental health education, appropriate workload distribution, and personnel selection processes that consider psychological well-being.
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