Officers' and supervisors' opinions regarding mental health services utilization among law enforcement personnel.

摘要

Police officers experience a significant amount of occupational stress, such as long hours, and the unpredictable nature of their work; experiencing of critical incidents can be especially stressful (Pasillas, Follette, & Perumean-Chaney, 2007; Violanti, 2004). This stress can lead to burnout, substance abuse, suicide, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; Bloodgood, 2006). Therefore, availability of mental health services is especially necessary for this population; however, many psychologists postulate police officers are reluctant to utilize these services. Recent qualitative studies suggest police officers may instead have specific apprehensions regarding mental health service utilization (Bloodgood, 2006; Meyer, 2000). The current study reflects an empirical attempt to identify these apprehensions, determine if supervisors share these concerns, and determine if supervisors change behavior toward officers receiving treatment.;In this study, active duty police officers and their supervisors with the San Antonio Police Department completed measures designed to determine their opinions toward seeking mental health services, towards individuals who have a mental illness, and about how their career may be affected if they sought treatment. Additionally, they were asked to respond to six scenarios, each describing an officer with different mental health treatment needs; supervisors were asked how they would respond to this officer, and subordinates were asked how they believed the department would respond.;Officers reported more barriers to care and stigma associated with seeking mental health than supervisors. Supervisors expected officers would report more barriers to care and less stigma than officers actually reported. Attitudes toward seeking mental health services were positively correlated with attitudes toward individuals with mental illnesses and attitudes regarding the treatability of these individuals. Participants' attitudes toward help-seeking were positively correlated with their opinions about prior experiences in treatment and their confidence in the confidentiality of services. Regarding the scenarios, supervisors expressed more concern about the officers portrayed in each scenario than subordinates, but they recommended fewer job-related sanctions than subordinates expected. It is anticipated this research can assist in dispelling the notion that police officers are generally opposed to seeking mental health treatment, as well as determining reasons why officers appear reluctant to seek treatment.;KEY WORDS: Police officers, barriers to mental health care, mental health stigma, attitudes toward mental health services.