New research at the University of Essex, conducted by Hira Syed (supervised by Dr Denis Tanfa), aims to shed new light on the Effect of Occupational Stress on Decision-Making in UK Police Officers. Serving police professionals are invited to participate in this research by undertaking a confidential survey.
UK police officers are invited to participate in the survey as professional experiences and insights are critical to understanding the influence of occupational stress on decision-making in law enforcement, and the voice of those working in high-stress settings are critical to the research focus.
The purpose of the research
This study aims to investigate the impact of occupational stress on decision-making in police officers in the United Kingdom. This study intends to fill a knowledge vacuum by examining the connection between stress and decision-making. Specifically, it focusses on the acute stress that most previous research has focused on, leaving a void about the long-term effects of persistent work-related stress. The results of this study could help create stress management treatments that are more successful.
Participating in this study helps to advance our understanding of how stress influences decision-making in high-pressure occupations like policing. By taking part, you will help to detect patterns in stress management and decision-making that may drive future policies, interventions, and training programs aimed at lowering stress and enhancing decision-making abilities among police officers. In the long run, the findings of this study may lead to the development of individualised stress-management programs that improve general well-being and job performance, which could benefit you and other police officers in the future.
An invitation to participate in the survey
The study will be done online using a secure, anonymised survey platform, allowing participants to complete it at their own pace and location. Participants will only be involved in the research once, and the survey is expected to take 30 to 45 minutes to complete. There are no additional attendance requirements since participation is completely remote. Participants are advised to take their time completing the survey, as it can be paused and started later if needed.
As a volunteer in this study, you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire on your stress levels and professional decision-making. The questionnaire will have parts on: Stress levels: You will be asked to complete items from known stress assessment instruments such as the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Police Stress Questionnaire. These can help you assess your overall stress levels as well as occupational stress related to police job. Coping techniques: Using the Brief COPE Inventory, you will describe how you cope with stress, including adaptive and maladaptive tactics. Decision-making: The Decision-Making Questionnaire (DMQ) evaluates your decision-making style and competence, particularly in high-pressure or stressful situations.
The questionnaire will take about 20 to 30 minutes to complete. Your participation is completely anonymous, and your replies will be collected via an online survey platform. No personal identifiers will be stored, maintaining maximum confidentiality. You are allowed to withdraw at any time during the questionnaire with no obligation or explanation.
Your personal information will be kept strictly secret throughout this research. All data will be collected using secure online platforms and anonymous surveys, with no identifying information stored. Any demographic information submitted will be used exclusively for statistical reasons and will not be associated with your identity. Once collected, the data will be securely stored on a protected system that is only accessible to the research team. Your responses will be coded, and any identifying information will be erased to ensure your anonymity. The information will be used purely for the purposes of this study, which seeks to investigate the association between occupational stress and decision-making among UK police officers.
To undertake the survey go to this link- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdE1sKSUILvK8WXz418MBoX_ayjQqBjF7QNgyD_E2PGI9_M7Q/viewform?usp=dialog.
For further information regarding the research project contact the researcher direct at hs22008@essex.ac.uk
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