Book chapter
Stress and Cardiovascular Disease in Law Enforcement
Stress, Trauma, and Wellbeing in the Legal System
Oxford University Press
12/28/2012
DOI: 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199829996.003.0008
Abstract
Police officers have higher rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) than the general population. While officers have an increased prevalence of some conventional CVD risk factors, the increased CVD is not solely explained by these risk factors. Thus, characteristics of the profession likely contribute to CVD. Job-related stress is frequently suggested as an underlying factor. In this chapter, the evidence for and against stress contributing to CVD risk in law enforcement officers is discussed. While the majority of officers are not markedly stressed, stressed officers do have a higher risk for developing CVD. In general, organizational stress appears more burdensome than operational stress for officers, although the nature and severity of stressors varies by law enforcement department. Mechanisms underlying the stress-CVD relationship remain uncertain, indicating a need for more research to identify these mechanisms. Finally, the chapter concludes with suggestions for improving officer health.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Stress and Cardiovascular Disease in Law Enforcement
- Creators
- Warren D FrankeSandra L Ramey
- Resource Type
- Book chapter
- Publication Details
- Stress, Trauma, and Wellbeing in the Legal System
- DOI
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199829996.003.0008
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press; New York
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 12/28/2012
- Academic Unit
- Nursing
- Record Identifier
- 9984064269602771
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