NCJ Number
215040
Journal
Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology Volume: 21 Issue: 1 Dated: Spring 2006 Pages: 54-61
Date Published
2006
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This study examined the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and abnormal psychological and personality functions among a sample of police officer candidates.
Abstract
Overall, the results indicated that higher BMI was positively correlated with abnormal psychological and personality functioning in police officers. Officers with higher BMI’s experienced higher levels of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, somatic complaints, paranoia, hypochondriasis, cynicism, social discomfort, social and self isolation, ego inflation, general health concerns, and inability to disclose. These findings, coupled with the finding of frequent alcohol use among officers in the after work hours, suggest that officers may benefit from a support group composed of close family and friends to encourage officers to disclose their feelings about their job and the stressors they face. Participants were 2,965 police officer candidates who submitted their height and weight and completed psychological assessments including the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory II and the Personality Assessment Index. Participants’ BMI were calculated and correlated with all of the psychological, personality, and demographic variables. In closing, the authors note that the findings are not limited to police officers and should be of concern to all occupations involving high levels of stress. Table, references