According to Port (2016), “coping is the ability to integrate various learned techniques, behaviors, and cognitive responses in reaction to a traumatic event” (p. 29). To determine whether the strategies are sufficient to reduce and prevent stress, individuals must practice using coping skills (Port, 2016). Positive coping mechanisms profoundly affect an individual’s ability to overcome a traumatic or stressful event and regain balance and control of their lives. Because stress cannot be removed entirely from police officers’ lives, they must establish a social support system and develop a stress-resistant disposition (Haecker, 2017).
Individuals differ in how they handle stress and trauma. Individuals involved in the same experience can have completely different emotional responses based on their coping strategies (Cuadro, 2019). Alcohol, withdrawal, and anger are examples of inadequate coping mechanisms frequently used by police officers, which increases their risk of detrimental health problems. These health problems include burnout, heart disease, stomach disorders, divorce, suicide, post-traumatic syndromes, psychological illnesses, and overload (Haecker, 2017 & Cuadro, 2019). Police officers tend to depersonalize the effects of the critical incidents and trauma they experience in an effort to cope (Gibson, 2020).
A study found 83% of law enforcement officer participants reported using at least one unhealthy coping mechanism, as these coping mechanisms are more appealing and tend to be more comfortable (Port, 2016). Police officers use choir practice as an accepted coping mechanism, where officers drink and talk about work issues (Colevins-Tumlin, 2017). According to Gibson (2020), “by focusing [on] the strengths and positive coping skills of the officers themselves, rather than focusing on a debriefing of an incident, trauma-exposed officers may be able to enhance their confidence, mastery, and sense of control when responding to future critical incidents” (p. 66). The policing work environment produces the use of maladaptive coping when officers are not adequately trained on stress management, coping, and wellness, and proper treatment and resources are not provided (Port, 2016).