ISSN: 0973-5089 | [email protected]

Factors Associated with Police Depression: A Systematic Review

Monika Agrawal, Reeta Singh

Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur, India

Abstract:

Police population experience considerable job-related stressors, making them vulnerable to depression. The purpose of this article is to provide an in-depth analysis of the factors that impact psychological health of police forces with a primary focus on depression. A systematic database search conducted based on predefined inclusion, and exclusion criteria resulted in 43 studies for the review. The study suggests that concerning the police as an institution, organizational factors are more influential factors that can lead to depression as compared to other inherent factors responsible for the same. However, some factors (e.g., workability, availability of welfare facilities, public service) that may protect against the growth of depressive symptoms are also present. Trends imply a lower reporting rate among the police forces compared to the general population. Some of the gaps include retrospective, cross-sectional nature of design using male-dominated samples. Future research with more rigorous methodologies and factors is warranted. Police officers are responsible for the vital task of community safety. In-depth awareness of risk and protective factors of depression can aid policymakers, researchers, and the public to reduce the risk of depression in the police.

Keyword:

Police, Law-enforcement, Depression, Mental Health