Officer Application of Positive Psychology Principles for Police Mental Health : An Exploratory Study Using PERMA-H

Abstract Police officers experience more mental health issues and other unwanted outcomes than other professions, which can impair judgment and affect police-public relations. Accessible mental health services are needed, but not readily available in all departments. Another approach to fostering resilience may lie in positive psychology: Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment, and Health—the PERMA-H construct of well-being. The PERMA-H construct of well-being leads to happiness and flourishing, preventing or helping to alleviate mental health struggles. This study assesses whether officers engaging in PERMA-H practices exhibit resilience. To do so, data were collected from 334 Pennsylvania officers and command staff via an online survey in Fall 2024. Bivariate and regression analyses suggest that officers who reported higher resilience had greater use of PERMA-H. Additionally, patrol officers tended to exhibit both lower resilience and lower use of PERMA-H than police leaders. We conclude that PERMA-H is a low-cost, evidence-based framework offering feasible tools for officers to use. Policy implications are discussed in light of the literature.