Occupational Burnout Research Paper

Occupational stress is a growing problem that results in substantial cost to individual employees and work organizations around the world (Hart & Cooper, 2001). Stress and occupational burnout can have harmful consequences. For the working individual stress and burnout can ultimately lead to illness, mood changes, alcohol use, and sleep disturbances in the short-term and perhaps even to cardiovascular disease as well as psychological disorders in the long term. According to Maslach (1993), the quality of job performance is seriously threatened when professionals become burned out.
Heightened levels of stress and burnout can also affect relationships with family and friends, damaging’ overall quality of life. Occupational Burnout is a key concern in most police departments across the country. Key issues of occupational burnout are high divorce rates as well as substance abuse, suicide, and cynicism. The conflicts between work and family demands are even greater for policewomen because of domestic responsibilities …show more content…
The adrenaline that officers deal with on a daily basis can be rewarding, but yet confusing. Knowing when and how to let one’s guard down can become troublesome for police officers. The variable work-life balance, namely whether police officers are able to find a balanced way where they can manage their challenges both on the job and at home, can be problematic.
The chronic and acute effects of stress in the law enforcement environment have been subject to numerous studies. During my research of the topic, I came across different viewpoints on this matter. There is also evidence that officers use depersonalization as a coping or defense mechanism. This form of a defense can lead to a greater chance for occupational burnout among officers. The transactional approach has led to the development of specific occupational stress theories (Hart & Cooper,