Strain and Coping among Female Police Officers

• In Event: Women in Policing: Breaking Barriers and Blazing a Path

Abstract

Prior research has identified that female officers experience unique, gendered barriers on top of the known stressors that are inherently embedded within the field of policing (e.g. the profession can be dangerous, unpredictable, demanding, and traumatic). Consistent with General Strain Theory (GST), women in policing endure a substantial amount of stress that may manifest in negative outcomes if they are consistently feeling isolated within their male-dominated profession, and are not given access to resources that promote prosocial coping. Using semi-structured interviews with former female officers, the current study seeks to identify organizational and individual sources of strain and potential coping mechanisms. Findings from this study may aid in the development of departmental policies and/or access to resources that can facilitate access to prosocial coping and a more inclusive environment for women. Implications for future research are discussed.
Keywords: general strain theory, women in policing, workplace stress, coping

Author

• Stephanie Geoghan, Arizona State University