NCJ Number
105007
Date Published
1985
Length
49 pages
Annotation
This monograph develops a model explaining the relationship of psychological type and self-actualization to stress and the quality of work experience, applies the model to 119 senior Australian police officers, and compares the findings with U.S. studies.
Abstract
Previous research on police stress, quality of work experience, and police personality is reviewed. The sample for this project consisted of 119 senior officers from Federal and State police departments chosen for training at the Australian Federal Police College. Personality type was measured by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, and data on self-actualization were collected by the Personal Orientation Inventory. Comparisons with veteran U.S. police officers showed the Australians to be more introverted, more oriented towards facts and detail, and to have a greater preference for making judgments. They were lower in self-actualization than many other groups, including U.S. managers. The Australian police administrators had a relatively, but not exceptionally, high degree of stress when compared with other groups. They rated their quality of work experience at a level similar to most management groups and well above the average for other occupational groups. Recommendations for the professional and personal development of police officers conclude the monograph. (Author summary modified)