Date

11-13-2024

Department

Helms School of Government

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice (PhD)

Chair

Robert Mason

Keywords

Mental Health, criminal justice, burnout, strees

Disciplines

Psychology

Abstract

The purpose of this grounded theory study is to understand the group think regarding mental health and wellness of police officers in the western Tennessee region. The theory guiding this study is group think, a theory first defined in 1972 by Irvin Janis. Irvin Janis, a psychologist introduced the phenomenon of groupthink and described it as a group of people, in this research case police officers, where loyalty was required from members and that this can cause both positive and negative side effects. The research population for this research will consist of 92 participants, including males and females, of different races and different years of experience. This research will review current policies and current strategies to combat physical and mental stressors. This research will review policies and procedures in agencies across Western Tennessee and federal mandates that are required or recommended concerning officers’ perceptions on if they are working. This research also provides suggestions for policy changes at the local and state level to ensure the mental and physical health and safety of police officers investigating crimes in Western Tennessee.

Download

Included in

Psychology Commons

Share

COinS