A estigmatização dos problemas de saúde mental no contexto policial português

Abstract

Police culture has certain values that perpetuate the stigmatization of mental health problems and, consequently, inhibit professionals from revealing psychological discomfort, leading to the adoption of maladaptive coping strategies. Given the lack of literature on these themes in Portugal, the present study aimed to characterize the stigmatization of mental health problems in the context of the Public Security Police. Adopting a correlational design, we sought to understand how the following variables are related: psychopathological symptomatology; stigmatization of mental health problems; coping strategies; service time. The results showed that the intensity of the discomfort impairs the identification of signs and symptoms, as well as the recognition of the importance of seeking formal help. They also indicate that more years of service are associated with a decrease in the adoption of adaptive coping strategies. Stigma about mental health problems encourages the adoption of maladaptive coping strategies, which is exacerbated by the length of service. Thus, it is important to develop and implement prevention programs that promote the deconstruction of stigma about mental health problems, as well as stimulate adequate coping strategies for more effective management of stressors, reflecting on the well-being and performance of the professionals.

Date of Award	12 Jul 2022
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Patrícia Oliveira-Silva (Supervisor) & Diana Cristina Rodrigues Pereira (Co-Supervisor)