A qualitative exploration of seeking psychological support in the police service: an interpretative phenomenological analysis

Thesis

Aims: This study aimed to develop an insight into the experience of seeking psychological support in the police service, specifically with a view to identifying the barriers and facilitative processes.

Method: Qualitative data were collected from eight police employees, using semistructured interviews. Data from the interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).

Results: Five superordinate themes and seventeen subordinate themes emerged from the data. The first superordinate theme ("The culture of the police force: fitting into the collective identity") described how participants fitted into the cultural demands of the job and the teams in which they work. Finding a way to integrate into the organisation whilst attempting to maintain one's individuality, and fitting in to the mixed expectations of the public were also described. The second superordinate theme ("Protecting the self') described ways in which participants protected themselves from emotional harm and the criticism of others. The third superordinate theme ("The acceptability of help") described participants' feelings about the legitimacy of their problems and whether seeking help implied weakness or was a tool by which to become stronger. The fourth superordinate theme ("Accessibility of help") described people's lack of awareness of sources of help, their feelings about the location of welfare officers and how this affected accessibility, and the importance of privacy and confidentiality. The final superordinate theme ("The importance of trust") described how trust was influenced by dual roles, valuing self-promotion over others and shared understanding between the help-seeker and the helper.

Conclusions: Multiple barriers to help-seeking were identified, at the intrapersonal, interpersonal and systemic levels. The role of the culture of the police was confirmed as an important factor in the decision about whether or not to seek help, via the formation of a strong identity. This culture influenced the way in which help-seeking was perceived at a systemic level, the most common attitude being that seeking help was weak. Methods through which participants protected themselves, the perceived accessibility of help and the level of trust in one's management and other sources of support also influenced help-seeking. Help-seeking in the police service needs to be encouraged with these issues in mind. Service implications and ideas for future research are presented.

Authors: Diamond, R

• DOI: 10.5287/ora-yj55jw9ea
• Type of award: D.Clin.Psych
• Level of award: Doctoral
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English