A systematic review on the effectiveness of health promotion programs for police officers

• In Event: Promoting Police Officer Health and Wellness

Abstract

1) Purpose: A myriad of programs have emerged over the past two decades to prevent adverse psychological outcomes associated with policing. The objective of the current study is systematically review the effectiveness of health promotion programs/interventions which are intended to protect and address the mental health of police officers before exposure to operational stress injuries.
2) Design: Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), a systematic review of eligible studies was conducted of peer-reviewed research published between 2003-2023.
3) Major findings: The search strategy yielded 34 studies focused on testing the effects of a preventative mental health program for police officers. Research evidence surrounding mindfulness/resilience programs is the most robust of all potential programs. Importantly, measures of effectiveness are often associated with enhancing knowledge and awareness.
4) Summary: The reviewed studies show a high degree of heterogeneity in their research design, comparison sample, and method of program delivery. Though research evidence suggests that preventative programs are effective, future research should focus on more long-term behavioral changes that are associated with a program.

Authors

• Adam A. Vaughan, University of Regina

• Kathy McNutt, University of Regina

• Jade Anderson, University of Regina