An Empirical Examination of GST and Suicidal Ideation amongst Police Officers

• In Event: Research on Suicidal Ideation, Teenage Pregnancy, Soccer Hooliganism, Workplace Stresses and General Strain Theory

Abstract

A wide body of research has demonstrated that law enforcement is a stressful occupation. Law enforcement officers are physically and psychologically affected by their exposure to critical incidents and exposure to traumatic events that are a routine part of their job. Faced with stress, officers often use positive and negative coping mechanisms. This study utilizes Agnew's general strain theory as a conceptual framework to explain suicidal ideation using data from Police Stress and Domestic Violence in Police Families in Baltimore, Maryland 1997-1999 (n = 1,104).

Authors

• Kelly Sue Roth, Bloomsburg University

• Robert Moschgat, Bloomsburg University