The Contribution of Forced Medical Retirement to Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety and Stress in Law Enforcement Officers
Year: 2014
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This research explored whether a statistically significant difference exists between symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress in police officers who were forced into medical retirement as compared to those who retired after years of completed service. The sample population of retired police officers as well as the appropriate testing instruments for these targeted individuals is discussed. In addition, the dissertation addresses how the survey determined the type of retirement they were subjected to (voluntary or involuntary) and any depressive or other psychological symptoms since that retirement. The findings from this study show that a statistically significant difference exists in the symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress in law enforcement officers who were forced to retire early, as opposed to those officers who retired after years of completed service. Furthermore, the influence of support systems and coping skills also showed to influence psychological outcomes for the retirees. Interestingly, however, participation in employee assistance programs, pre-retirement and post-retirement counseling was not found to be significant in any of the three dependent variables. This study will add to the knowledge base of law enforcement retirement and associated coping strategies for life after police employment.
Author: Kimberley Blackmon
Language: English
Subfield: Demography
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: Nova Southeastern University
OpenAlex ID: W3035031702