Relationship between Occupational Stress and Psychological Wellbeing of Police Officers in Mbeere South Sub-County, Embu County, Kenya
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Date
2025-10
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Tangaza University
Abstract
This study examined the relationship between occupational stress and psychological well-being among police officers in Mbeere South Sub-County, Embu County, Kenya. Guided by the Job Demands-Resources Model and Person-Environment Fit theory, it aimed to assess the levels of occupational stress, levels of psychological well-being, their interrelationship, and potential stress mitigation interventions. A mixed-methods cross-sectional design was employed, with a sample of 162 police officers from a population of 280, selected through multi-stage sampling. Data were collected using the Police Stress Questionnaire, WHO-5 Wellbeing Index, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed. Findings revealed that 53.3% of officers experienced severe stress, driven by organizational (54.7%) and operational (58.7%) factors. Psychological well-being was low, with 42.7% indicating poor wellbeing suggestive of distress. No significant linear relationship was found between occupational stress and well-being (r = −0.024 to −0.105, p > .05). Interventions like mindfulness and exercise were reported but often deemed minimally effective. The study recommends that the National Police Service implement targeted stress reduction programs addressing organizational and operational stressors, such as improving workflow and resource availability.