Evaluating the Predictors of Stress among Police Officers: A Current Psychosocial Analysis from Nigeria

Due to the nature of their job, police officers often experience unpredictable, emotionally disturbing, physically exhausting and stressful working conditions in Nigeria. Sociolegal literature is replete with case studies, anecdotal evidence and research findings attesting to the high rates of stress and stress-related disorders associated with police work. A growing number of these studies provide convincing evidence that the overall well-being of police officers is significantly related to their performance at work. Existing studies have consistently demonstrated that there are two categories of stress in policing. The first category revealed that the nature of police works often exposed police officers to stressors such as exposures to danger, facing unpredictable situations and violent confrontations from the public. The second category of stress experienced by the police involved stress associated with the nature of police organisation, and the associated stressors often include workplace bullying, limited opportunities for promotion or career progressions, difficult rules, unfair regulations and disagreeable job assignments. In this current study, I empirically assessed the occurrence and prevalence, as well as the effects of stress among police officers in Nigeria. This chapter also considers what current research could contribute to police practice and the general implication for research and policymaking.