Could Self-Esteem Moderate the Relationship between Occupational Stress and Depressive Symptoms among Police Officers?

Abstract

This study examined the moderating role of self-esteem on the relationship between
occupational stress and depressive symptoms among police officers. A total number of one
hundred and seventy three (173) police officers participated in this study. Their ages ranged
from 28 to 59 years with mean age of 40.77 and standard deviation of 7.44. Their academic
qualification includes secondary school and university graduates. Operational police stress
questionnaire, Beck depression inventory and self-esteem questionnaire were used for data
collection. While moderated regression analysis was adapted for data analysis. Occupational stress predicted depressive symptoms at β = .46, t= 7.09, p < .01. Thus, first hypothesis was confirmed. Self-esteem significantly and negatively predicted depressive symptoms at β = -.43, t=-4.57, p < .01, hence, the second hypothesis was confirmed. Furthermore, the third hypothesis was confirmed; indicating that self-esteem moderated the relationship between occupational stress and depressive symptoms at β = -.33, t= - 3.68, p < .01. Based on the findings, the researcher recommended among others that there is need for a periodical evaluation of police officers in respect to occupational stress, depressive symptoms, as well as their level of self-esteem; so as to be proactive in preventing further development of clinical psychopathology.