Abstract
Developing research indicates a relationship between hegemonic masculinity and adverse mental health outcomes. This link is particularly important for police officers who work in a male-dominated occupation with significant exposure to trauma and greater rates of mental health disorders than the general population. Through surveys with patrol officers from five Canadian police agencies (n = 238), this study explored the relationship between masculinity contest cultures (MCCs) and well-being outcomes. The study suggested that MCCs could be damaging to well-being through work-life balance (rs = -.25, p < .001), stress (r = .31, p < .001), psychological well-being (r = -.43, p < .001), and PTSD symptoms (rs = .23, p < .001). Further, these relationships were amplified for female officers, suggesting that MCCs are more connected to diminished well-being for females. Overall, this study highlights the close relationship between problematic cultures and well-being and provides insights to enhance police wellness.
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Buhrig, R. The Intersection of Masculinity and Mental Health in Police Organizational Culture. J Police Crim Psych 38, 743–753 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11896-023-09603-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11896-023-09603-4