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Section IV Managing Problems Chapter 12 Stress and Related Hazards of the Job © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Stress Defined • Tension, anxiety, strain or pressure • The body’s internal response to a situation a person perceives as threatening • Eustress = helpful • Distress = harmful – Acute/traumatic stress – Chronic/cumulative stress © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Causes of Stress • Change and uncertainty • Lack of control • Pressure © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Sources of Stress for Police Officers • • • • Internal, individual stressors Stressors inherent to the police job Administrative and organizational stressors External stressors: – – – – Criminal justice system Citizens police serve Media Family © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Personality Types • Type A Personality – Aggressive, hyperactive “driver” – Tends to be a workaholic – More likely to experience high stress levels • Type B Personality – Opposite of Type A © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Internal, Individual Stressors • Stress related to police work • Administrative and organizational stressors © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Stress Related to Police Work • • • • • • Death notifications Line-of-duty deaths Critical incidents Fear of a lawsuit Fatigue and shift work Change © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Administrative and Organizational Stressors • Feeling of inadequate support • Unfair or unequal treatment • Decisions overruled • Civil suits • Mixed messages • Department policy vs. discretion • The administrator as an adversary • Hiring standards lowered • Differing goals • Miscommunication • Punitive transfers • Lack of input © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning External Stressors • • • • The criminal justice system Society at large The media and the entertainment industry Family life and other personal pursuits © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Law Enforcement Personnel with Additional Stressors • • • • • Women officers Minority officers Rural and small-town officers Investigators Managers/supervisors © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Physical Effects of Stress • • • • • • • Heart problems Hypertension Cancer Ulcers Diabetes Chronic headaches Anxiety-related disorders • • • • • • • Asthma Excessive eating Decreased sex drive Fatigue Dizziness Muscle and back aches Tics © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Psychological Effects of Stress • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – A clinical name associated with a debilitating condition suffered by Vietnam War veterans – Likely candidates for PTSD: • Officers in larger law enforcement departments • Officers assigned to violent tasks or narcotics teams © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Behavioral Effects of Stress • • • • • • • • Accident-proneness Anger Argumentativeness Blaming others Drug and/or alcohol abuse Excessive violence Irritability Inability to concentrate • • • • • • • • Lack of control Neurotic behavior Nail biting Obsession with work Rage Rapid behavior changes Uncontrollable urges to cry Withdrawal © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning On the Job Effects of Stress • Symptoms of burnout – – – – Lack of enthusiasm and interest Decreased job performance Temper flare-ups Loss of will, motivation or commitment • Avoiding burnout – Keep the work interesting – Give recognition – Provide R and R © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Other Possible Major Effects of Stress • • • • Alcoholism and substance abuse Higher rates of domestic abuse and divorce Depression Suicide © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Individually Coping with Stress • • • • • • • Enemy #1: Isolation. Resiliency factor: support systems. Enemy #2: Negative worldview, cynicism. Resiliency factor: sense of optimism. Enemy #3: Overuse of stimulants and depressants. Resiliency factor: Healthy diet. Enemy #4: Giving up on exercise. Resiliency factor: Fitness. Enemy #5: Tying self-worth to position or assignment. Resiliency factor: Finding meaning in life. Enemy #6: Taking oneself too seriously. Resiliency factor: A sense of humor. Enemy #7: Lack of sleep. Resiliency factor: Sleep and rest. © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Ways to Reduce Stress Levels • • • • • • • • • • Physical exercise Relaxation techniques Good nutrition Taking time for oneself Making friends Learning to say no Staying within the law Changing one’s mental attitude Keeping things in perspective Seeking help when it is needed © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning How the Organization Can Reduce Stress • • • • Testing and selection Training Establishing and supporting fitness standards Ongoing psychological support © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning Programs to Prevent/Reduce Stress • • • • Peer support groups Critical incident stress debriefing Chaplain corps Other stress management programs © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning The Critical Role of the Manager/Supervisor • • • • Keep in close touch with subordinates. Recognize the symptoms of stress. Provide counseling if needed. “Walk the talk.” © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning
