Operational Police Stress and Psychological Capital among Police Personnel

Abstract

Background: Policing is one of those occupation which has constant exposure to public. For police officers work is nothing less than a challenge. Occupational stress is inherent in nature of this job. They leave behind legacy of highest standards of commitment to duty. Psychological capital is a positive psychological resource that helps effectively to reduce stress. Aim: To assess the nature and association between operational police stress and psychological capital. Method: The study was conducted on police personnel within the age range 25-55, posted in the state of Bihar , through Purposive Sampling using operational police stress developed by MC Creary D R & Thompson, M.M (2013)and psychological capital questionnaire developed by Luthans (2007). Result: On operational police stress40% of the samples revealed moderate level of stress and 60% of the sample revealed high level of stress. Sample had average psychological capital with higher mean on dimension of efficacy. Significant correlation was found between the dimensions of psychological capital and items of operational police stress. Occupational stress may directly affect the physical and mental health resulting in reduced work productivity, indirectly affecting the crime prevention and correctional services as well as their personal and familial life.