8291826 Exploring gendered effects of workplace social support on mental health and wellbeing of police parents in the UK

<h3>Objective</h3> Women in policing face higher risks of poor mental health and wellbeing than their male counterparts. The role of workplace social support (WSS), a protective factor for mental health and wellbeing remains understudied in relation to gender and parenthood in policing. Therefore, our study investigates gender differences in the relationship between WSS and mental health and wellbeing outcomes among police professionals. We assessed how parenthood moderates these relationships considering potential differences between mothers and fathers. <h3>Material and Methods</h3> We conducted a secondary analysis of the UK-based ‘The Job &amp; The Life’ survey comprising of data from 5,940 police officers and staff who are parents. Participants were categorised based on gender and WSS level (Good vs. Poor). Mental health outcomes (anxiety, depression) and wellbeing outcomes (overall wellbeing, work-life balance, and sleep disturbances) were examined using hierarchical logistic regression models adjusted for sociodemographic and occupational covariates. We conducted standard diagnostic tests to assess multicollinearity, model fit, and potential endogeneity. <h3>Results</h3> Poor WSS was consistently associated with worse mental health and wellbeing outcomes for all participants. Mothers exhibited higher odds of anxiety (1.58, 1.37-1.83), depression (1.11, 0.95-1.30), and sleep disturbances (1.15, 0.99-1.33) even when receiving Good WSS compared to fathers with Good WSS. Mothers reported better work-life balance than fathers irrespective of WSS levels (Poor: 1.08, 0.92- 1.27; Good: 1.68, 1.45-1.95). However, mothers with Good WSS still had significantly poorer overall wellbeing (0.95, 0.82-1.09) compared to fathers with similar support levels. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Despite being a critical factor in mitigating adverse mental health and wellbeing outcomes in policing, the protective benefits of WSS appear to be less effective for mothers compared to fathers. The findings underscore the need for gender-sensitive interventions and policies that support the wellbeing of police mothers to improve workforce equity and sustainability.