The Impact of Peer Support, PTSD Symptoms, and Attitudes Towards Seeking Mental Help in Police Officers

The purpose of this study to determine if there is a statistically significant difference in perceived stress, self-reported post-traumatic stress symptoms, and mental help seeking attitudes in police officers who use peer support programs and those who do not use peer support programs. Police officers are consistently exposed to stress and trauma that has negative biological, physical, and mental health effects, leaving officers at risk for the development of mental health diseases and disorders. Identifying the need for mental health resources, and peer support groups are recommended; however, there is not enough literature to determine its effectiveness. The recovery model of mental illness addresses the more holistic approach of peer support programs as opposed to a clinical approach. Social learning theory and comparison theory are integral aspects of the potential effectiveness of a peer support group. A quantitative comparative analysis will compare the collected data to one another to determine any statistically significant differences. Surveys will be sent to approximately 1630 police officers from 7 police departments. 3 of those departments have a peer support group and 4 of those departments do not. The present study includes practical, empirical, and theoretical significance that will impact law enforcement administrators’ decisions to support the mental well-being of their police officers. In summary, the present study will offer data to prove or disprove the effectiveness of peer support programs on police officers’ perceived stress, self-reported PTSD symptoms, and mental help seeking attitudes.