Date
1-16-2025
Department
School of Behavioral Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)
Chair
Bethany Mims-Beliles
Keywords
Stigma, mental health care, Police Culture, Career Repercussion
Disciplines
Psychology
Recommended Citation
Roberts, Denia Aretta, "The Stigmatization of Mental Health Illness and Mental Health Care Use Among Police Officers" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 6457.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/6457
Abstract
This phenomenological study explored the stigma attached to police officers' mental health and how it affects their willingness to seek assistance. The research aimed to understand the role stigma plays in officers' mental health outcomes and investigated the systemic deterrents that prevent them from accessing the essential mental health services. Interviews conducted with former police officers disclosed that toughness and emotional restraint are cultural norms for perpetuating the cycle of silence, which many of the officers did in order to make it throughout their career without “repercussions”. The results underline the need to establish safe and non-judgmental conditions in police departments that will help officers to be willing to seek help without the fear of being stigmatized or suffering career repercussions. This research makes a valuable addition to the increasing conversation on mental health in policing by bringing in the suggestions for law enforcement agencies on how to create a culture that emphasizes psychological well-being, thereby ensuring that officers are given the proper help both personally and professionally.
