Levels of Stress And Aggression Among Police Officers

This study examined the relationship between stress and aggression among police officers at the Santiago City Police Office, along with differences in stress levels based on demographic factors. Using a descriptive-correlational research design, the study aimed to represent situations concretely and establish links between variables. The findings revealed that operational stress is higher among female and younger officers. This may stem from challenges related to discrimination, societal expectations, and the struggle to balance personal and professional lives, particularly for female officers in dual-career households. Younger officers, likely due to their inexperience, face greater pressures. Officers without criminology degrees also experience more stress as they adapt to a law enforcement environment that differs from their previous education. Lower-ranking officers, such as corporals and patrol officers, report higher stress levels due to their limited decision-making power and exposure to high-stress situations. Though police officers in Santiago City are not highly aggressive, stress significantly impacts their aggression levels. The organizational culture within law enforcement, which often discourages vulnerability and values toughness, may increase stress and the risk of aggressive behavior. This underscores the need for better mental health support and stress management strategies within the force.