Mental health in the UK police force: A qualitative investigation into the stigma with mental illness
Journal article
Authors | Edwards, Ann-Marie and Kotera, Y. |
---|---|
Abstract | Police work is a high-risk profession that can cause mental health conditions. With increasing sickness levels and falling police numbers, it is essential prompt mental health treatment be implemented. The study aims to explore institutional negativity and stigma in the police force toward mental ill health. Semi-structured interviews attended by five police officers with thematic analysis captured i) police culture, ii) the stigma of mental illness, iii) disclosure of mental illness and iv) breaking down barriers. Findings indicate police culture and attitudes to mental health may contribute to the causes of psychological illness, rather than the nature of the job itself. Increased education and awareness surrounding mental health have been shown to be fundamental in how an officer reacts to stress, but change is needed at a managerial level. Future research needs to explore the effects of mental health stigma on ethnicity and gender in the police force. |
Keywords | police culture; mental illness; mental health stigma; discussing mental health; mental health awareness |
Year | 2020 |
Journal | International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction |
Publisher | Springer |
ISSN | 15571874 |
15571882 | |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-019-00214-x |
Web address (URL) | http://hdl.handle.net/10545/624438 |
hdl:10545/624438 | |
Publication dates | 15 Jan 2020 |
Publication process dates | |
Deposited | 30 Jan 2020, 16:26 |
Accepted | 22 Dec 2019 |
Contributors | University of Derby |
File | File Access Level Open |
File | File Access Level Open |
https://repository.derby.ac.uk/item/944z2/mental-health-in-the-uk-police-force-a-qualitative-investigation-into-the-stigma-with-mental-illness
Download files
256
total views405
total downloads12
views this month12
downloads this month