Patterns of Self-Reported Occupational Stress Experienced by Lithuanian Police Officers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health Psychology
• Criminology
• Organizational Behavior

Background:

• International research on police occupational stress is extensive, but data from smaller, post-transition European nations like Lithuania is scarce.
• Understanding occupational stressors in diverse geopolitical contexts is crucial for effective stress management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key occupational stressors among Lithuanian police officers.
• To analyze how stress patterns vary by gender, job position, and years of service.
• To apply a multidimensional framework encompassing organizational and interpersonal factors.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was administered to 381 Lithuanian police officers from five selected stations.
• The validated Lithuanian version of the Health and Safety Executive Management Standards Indicator Tool (HSE-MSIT) was used.
• Statistical analyses included Mann-Whitney U test, ANOVA, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with multi-group invariance testing.

Main Results:

• Confirmatory factor analysis supported a second-order structure of job stress, with moderate model fit.
• Managerial support, workplace change, and peer support emerged as the most significant contributors to overall stress.
• While gender differences were minor, longer tenure correlated with lower job demands and clearer roles; junior officers reported more positive perceptions of feedback and organizational changes.

Conclusions:

• Organizational factors, rather than individual ones, predominantly shape occupational stress in Lithuanian police.
• Recommendations include enhancing managerial competence, ensuring communication transparency, and strengthening peer-support systems.
• These interventions are expected to bolster officers' psychological well-being and resilience within law enforcement.