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Abstract

Law enforcement officers face unique occupational stressors that can impair well-being and performance. This study examined stress levels and coping mechanisms among police officers in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, within Lazarus and Folkman's transactional framework. A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among 400 randomly selected officers. Data were collected using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and Brief COPE inventory. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and hierarchical multiple regression were employed. Moderate stress levels predominated (52.5%), with high stress reported by 32.5% of officers. The mean PSS score was 24.6 (SD = 5.8). Significant associations emerged between stress and years of service (χ²(3) = 12.45, p = .006, Cramér's V = 0.18) and rank (χ²(4) = 14.82, p = .005). Active coping (M = 2.76, SD = 0.67) and planning (M = 2.68, SD = 0.71) were most frequently endorsed. Regression analysis revealed that active coping (β = -0.42, p < .001), behavioral disengagement (β = 0.38, p < .001), and self-distraction (β = 0.31, p = .002) significantly predicted perceived stress, explaining 31.2% of the variance. Workplace stress is prevalent, and maladaptive coping strategies are associated with higher stress. Targeted interventions for early-career officers are urgently needed in the Nigerian context and have relevance for police forces in other low- and middle-income countries.

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