Occupational Stress: The Consequences of Occupational Stress for Law Enforcement

Identifier

166

Author

Alec Duncan Sisco

Date

2020

Document Type

Honors Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Major

Psychology

Concentration

General Psychology

Committee Member

Amaia Iratzoqui

Abstract

This thesis investigated occupational stress and the consequences that officers face as a result of their stress build up. To do so, the paper reviewed the evidence of occupational stress at three different levels: 1) on the individual; 2) within the individual's social realm; and 3) for the criminal justice system. The paper then tied these bodies of evidence together to make recommendations for change at varying levels. Recommendations for change on an individual level include stricter screening measures before and after hiring on a yearly basis; addressing the problem with the department leader and chaplain, or speaking with a clinician. At the social level, recommendations include early clinical intervention, marriage counseling, and physical activity. At the criminal justice level, recommendations include non-sanctioned punishments (demotion or dismissal), more body cameras, and educating officers on healthy ways to manage stress.

Comments

Undergraduate Honor's Thesis

Library Comment

Honors thesis originally submitted to the Local University of Memphis Honor’s Thesis Repository.

Recommended Citation

Sisco, Alec Duncan, "Occupational Stress: The Consequences of Occupational Stress for Law Enforcement" (2020). Honors Theses. 103.
https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/honors_theses/103