NCJ Number
211057
Journal
Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management Volume: 28 Issue: 2 Dated: 2005 Pages: 255-268
Date Published
2005
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This study sought to determine if participation in existential-phenomenological group counseling could help police officers increase their general and social self-efficacy, become more internal, and less aggressive.
Abstract
The responsibilities that police officers incur in their jobs can lead to frustration and stress resulting from the lack of support from supervisors and the public and leading to increased aggressiveness. This study investigated the effects of existential-phenomenological group counseling on 20 police officers from an urban police force. The effects were compared with an untreated control group of police officers. Both groups completed the self-efficacy scale, belief in personal control, aggression questionnaire prior to and following a 20-week treatment program. Results found no changes on self-efficacy, internal control, and aggression. However, the results supported the viability of the existential-phenomenological counseling approach with police officers. Additional research is recommended to understand the feasibility of implementing existential-phenomenological counseling groups involving police officers to help them develop self-efficacy and minimize aggressive tendencies. Tables, references