how many different sources are in this section?  Only count each source 1 time.  List the sources in this section; List the sources cited in the following passage: The comprehensive analysis of 15 articles determined that the presence of stigma presents a significant obstacle for police officers seeking mental health care. Police officers and members are particularly susceptible to the detrimental impacts of stigma. Up to 33% of police officers have experienced the adverse consequences of stigma surrounding mental health concerns (Haugen et al., 2017; Wheeler et al., 2018). Moreover, police officers have a higher propensity to embrace stigma, possess a pessimistic perspective about rehabilitation, and refrain from seeking aid (Soomro & Yanos, 2019).
The results indicate that within the law enforcement population, there is a prevailing fear of discussing or seeking help for mental health issues. This is due to the perception that such conditions are grounds for disqualification from a career in law enforcement (Bell & Palmer-Conn, 2018; Caitlin et al., 2022; Haugen et al., 2017; Jetelina et al., 2020; Richards et al., 2021). Police officers may exhibit reluctance in seeking assistance due to apprehensions over confidentiality, which is reasonable considering the pervasive social disapproval associated with mental health intervention (Bell & Palmer-Conn, 2018; Caitlin et al., 2022; Haugen et al., 2017; Jetelina et al., 2020; Richards et al., 2021).
The primary difficulties to seeking therapy were identified as the fear of being viewed as weak or unfit for law enforcement job, concerns about jeopardizing one’s professional prospects, and the impact of cultural stigmatization on psychological services (Drew & Martin, 2021; Haugen et al., 2017; Soomro & Yanos, 2019; Wheeler et al., 2018). Drew and Marin (2021) concluded a significant number of law enforcement officers suffering from mental illnesses are not receiving adequate psychological care due to the negative social perception around such conditions. The study revealed that even police officers who received mental health therapy expressed a significant degree of ambivalence due to the associated stigma. The results of another study align closely with the outcomes of prior studies, which identified factors such as reluctance to reveal mental struggles, apprehension regarding societal attitudes towards individuals with mental disorders, and resentment towards those who choose to pursue treatment or receive a clinical diagnosis (Burzee et al., 2022).
The Impact of Police Subculture
The exhaustive examination of 13 articles concluded that police officers demonstrate resistance in seeking mental health services as a result of the impact of the police subculture. Efficient law enforcement is crucial for diminishing criminal activity and guaranteeing the well-being of the general population. Police personnel frequently encounter distressing occurrences as they carry out their duties. Lack of sufficient assistance can result in a decline in the mental well-being of a police officer when exposed to such situations for an extended period. Due to the prevailing police subculture, particularly the adverse views surrounding accepting treatment for mental health issues, numerous police officers experience distress in solitude, further contributing to their emotional decline.
Although mental illness is common in the law enforcement population, the police culture has historically been unwilling to embrace interventions aimed at addressing this issue. Although the mental well-being of a police officer is contingent upon the subculture and leadership style inside their organization (Deschenes et al., 2018), police officers are far from feeling at ease with seeking and obtaining therapy because of the shared norms and beliefs within the police organization (Cohen et al., 2019). Law enforcement personnel frequently exhibit reluctance in seeking assistance for matters pertaining to their mental health (Ricciardelli et al., 2020; Watson & Andrews, 2018). A study conducted by Carleton et al. (2020) reveals that more than 50% of law enforcement officers rarely undergo any treatment.
The phenomenon of the ‘cult of masculinity’ has garnered much scrutiny as an enduring and detrimental element of police culture (Silversti, 2017). The perception of mental health issues within law enforcement agencies is significantly shaped by traditional machismo attitudes, leading to a stigma. The police force is primarily composed of males and exhibits a resilient cultural image. The concept of mental illness as a vulnerability is prevalent among law enforcement personnel (Bell & Eski, 2016; Velazquez & Hernandez, 2019).
Studies have revealed a strong correlation between cultural biases against mental illness and the law enforcement subculture, resulting in a significant prevalence of structural stigma. The traditional obstacles faced by police officers in pursuing therapy entail the negative perception and prevailing mindset within law enforcement that dissuades attempts towards mental well-being (Rodriguez et al., 2023). The culture inside the police force is marked by a negative perception towards seeking treatment, apprehensions about the boundaries of confidentiality, and doubts about the pertinence and effectiveness of available treatment options (Rodriguez et al., 2023; White et al., 2016).
Discussion Research Question Three
The prevalence of stigma within the law enforcement community is highly consequential. The law enforcement community exhibits a heightened demand for mental health intervention, yet concurrently faces a more pronounced prevalence of cultural disapproval in comparison to the general population. Police officers experience heightened anxiety due to the existence of stigma, as they are concerned about the potential breach of confidentiality and the negative impact on their professional standing. It is imperative to undergo a significant transformation in the attitudes of police officers towards seeking treatment to reduce the stigma.
The existence of the police subculture contributes to the perpetuation of the negative perception associated with mental health treatment. Despite the prevalence of mental illness among law enforcement personnel, the police culture has traditionally shown reluctance in accepting treatments designed to tackle this problem. Altering the risk associated with being a law enforcement officer and the likelihood of developing a mental illness due to the cumulative stress and trauma will pose significant challenges. The subculture that disapproves of seeking help will likely be less challenging to change.
The prevailing stigma is partly attributed to the perspectives within the police subculture. A shift in police subculture will be imperative to diminish the number of police officers afflicted with mental illness who are responsible for maintaining societal safety. The transition should commence with the administrators and initiate promptly during the academy. The academy may not only incorporate physical agility standards, but also resiliency interventions and be inclusive of a therapy prerequisite.
The theory of constructed emotion suggests that emotional experiences are formed and influenced within social, cultural, and linguistic environments. Emotion categories are culturally contingent constructs employed to classify comparable experiences, rather than universally objective realities (Gendron et al., 2014). The theory of constructed emotion, which asserts that emotions are shaped by previous experiences, cultural influences, and situational circumstances rather than solely biological responses, provides insight into the emotional dynamics within police subculture and its approach to the stigmatization of mental health. This particular subculture is characterized by a set of beliefs that emphasize resilience and stoicism. These values have a significant impact on officers, leading them to repress their emotions and perceive requesting mental health assistance as a vulnerability. This perspective is influenced by communal standards, personal backgrounds, and the challenging nature of the work environment. The theory additionally implies potential avenues for transformation, placing emphasis on the notion that the introduction of good experiences pertaining to mental health has the capacity to reconstruct emotional reactions and mitigate stigmatization. Leadership and training are crucial factors in the process of shifting sub-cultural norms, placing emphasis on mental well-being, and confronting prevailing stigmas. Consequently, these factors contribute to fostering a transition towards more positive attitudes regarding mental health within the law enforcement community.