Transcript Chapter 12 - Cengage Learning

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
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Sources of Stress for Police Officers
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Internal, individual stressors
Stressors inherent to the police job
Administrative and organizational stressors
External stressors:
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Criminal justice system
Citizens police serve
Media
Family
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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
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Internal, Individual Stressors
• Stress related to police work
• Administrative and organizational stressors
© 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning
Stress Related to Police Work
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Death notifications
Line-of-duty deaths
Critical incidents
Fear of a lawsuit
Fatigue and shift work
Change
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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
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External Stressors
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The criminal justice system
Society at large
The media and the entertainment industry
Family life and other personal pursuits
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Law Enforcement Personnel
with Additional Stressors
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Women officers
Minority officers
Rural and small-town officers
Investigators
Managers/supervisors
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Physical Effects of Stress
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Heart problems
Hypertension
Cancer
Ulcers
Diabetes
Chronic headaches
Anxiety-related disorders
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Asthma
Excessive eating
Decreased sex drive
Fatigue
Dizziness
Muscle and back aches
Tics
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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
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Behavioral Effects of Stress
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Accident-proneness
Anger
Argumentativeness
Blaming others
Drug and/or alcohol abuse
Excessive violence
Irritability
Inability to concentrate
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Lack of control
Neurotic behavior
Nail biting
Obsession with work
Rage
Rapid behavior changes
Uncontrollable urges to cry
Withdrawal
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On the Job Effects of Stress
• Symptoms of burnout
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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
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Other Possible Major Effects of Stress
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Alcoholism and substance abuse
Higher rates of domestic abuse and divorce
Depression
Suicide
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Individually Coping with Stress
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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.
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Ways to Reduce Stress Levels
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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
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How the Organization Can
Reduce Stress
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Testing and selection
Training
Establishing and supporting fitness standards
Ongoing psychological support
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Programs to Prevent/Reduce Stress
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Peer support groups
Critical incident stress debriefing
Chaplain corps
Other stress management programs
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The Critical Role of the
Manager/Supervisor
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Keep in close touch with subordinates.
Recognize the symptoms of stress.
Provide counseling if needed.
“Walk the talk.”
© 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning