DEPRESSION, ANXIETY AND STRESS AMONG FEMALE AND MALE POLICE OFFICERS

Abstract

Objective: The present study was targeted to measure the differences in the levels of depression, anxiety and stress between female and male police officers of Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa, Pakistan. 

Research design: Quasi Experimental Design

Place of Study:  Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa, Pakistan 

Sample and Method: The sample included 315 police officers from three districts of the province.  Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) was administered. It was hypothesized that female police officers would have higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress as compared to male police officers.

Results: Female police officers reported “severe” levels of depression, “extremely severe” levels of anxiety and “severe” levels of stress. Male police officers, on the other hand, projected “moderate” levels of depression, “extremely severe” levels of anxiety and “moderate” levels of stress. The difference between male and female police officers for the scores of depression, anxiety and stress was highly significant.

Conclusion: The study concluded that female police officers had higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress as compared with male police officers.