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Influence of Select Psychosocial Factors on the Psychological Well-being of Policewomen

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Author Affiliations

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Madras, Chennai, INDIA
  • 2 Consultant Psychologist, o. No. 23a, n. No. 105a, Sivan Koil Street, Kodambakkam, Chennai, INDIA

Int. Res. J. Social Sci., Volume 2, Issue (8), Pages 5-14, August,14 (2013)

Abstract

Policewomen play a pivotal role in police department and recently there is increase in the number of policewomen joining the police force. As stress is unavoidable in the police job and women may be at increasing risk for the deleterious effects of it, it is felt that it is important to address to their well-being needs. The present study aimed at examining the influence of occupational stress, work-life balance, job attitude, and personality on the psychological well-being of women constables in Chennai City, India. The study was conducted among 826 policewomen using correlational research design using survey method. Due to incomplete information, 756 data were only included for the study. Women constables serving in various police units like Tamilnadu Special Battalion, Armed Reserve, Police Stations- All Women Police Stations (AWPS) and local police stations in Chennai City were included in this study. The age of the respondents ranged from 19 years to 45 years with a mean age of 28 years. Their work experience ranged from 10 months to 20 years with an average experience of six years. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation and Multiple Regression analysis. The results revealed that select psychosocial variables such as occupational stress, Personal Life Interference with Work (PLIW), Work/Personal Life Enhancement (WPLE), job attitude, neuroticism, openness, and conscientiousness significantly accounted for 45 percent of variance in the psychological well-being of policewomen. This study has implications for recruitment and training for policewomen to enhance their psychological well-being.

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