Protecting Police Officers Against Burnout: Final Report

Abstract

Police officers play a significant role within society; however, their roles can be highly challenging and stressful. Continued exposure to stress is a risk factor for burnout, and prior research suggests that police officers are at high risk of burnout and work disengagement. First responder organisations place a large emphasis on interventions and resources promoting psychological wellbeing, and the management of psychosocial risks, known as psychosocial safety climate. This project aligns with the QPS’s strategic objective to “future-proof the workforce” by investigating the resources which protect police officers from burnout and work disengagement. Research suggests particular stress mindsets (beliefs about the nature of the stress response) may be important for physical and psychological wellbeing and performance. The current project investigated if relationships existed between officer perceptions of psychosocial safety climate, burnout and work engagement. The Griffith University research team investigated the protective role of stress mindsets in those relationships. This project provides practical insight into the protective role of stress mindsets and discusses the potential these findings have in protecting officers from the outcomes of burnout and work disengagement. Report submitted to the Queensland Police Service, December 2018