Date of Award

Fall 12-10-2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department/Program

Forensic Psychology

Language

English

First Advisor or Mentor

Philip Yanos

Second Reader

Philip Bonifacio

Third Advisor

Jillian Swencionis

Abstract

This research examines where or not stigma about mental illness exists among police officers in the United States and whether it shapes their attitudes about seeking mental health. It has been estimated that police officers have a prevalence rate of 13%, while the general population has a prevalence of 4%. Given the increased exposure to trauma, police officers are still unlikely to seek professional help. Moreover, police officers are first responders to incidents involving individuals with a mental illness and are often tasked with playing the role of a mental health professional. This study further examines how stigma effects intended behaviors towards people with a mental illness.

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