The role of exercise and recreation in the management of Nigeria police work-place stress.
Abstract
This study was the role of exercise and recreation in the management of Nigeria police work-place stress. The total population for the study is 200 officers of selected police stations, Lagos state. The researcher used questionnaires as the instrument for the data collection. Descriptive Survey research design was adopted for this study. A total of 133 respondents made PDOs, superintendents, senior staff and junior staff were used for the study. The data collected were presented in tables and analyzed using simple percentages and frequencies.
Chapter one
Introduction
1.1Background of the study
Working as a police officer can be a rewarding job, but it can also be a stressful one. Policing is one of the few professions where individuals deal with many stressors, which exceed the usual expectations of society. Although there is no way to eliminate stress and the burnout it can cause, there are methods law enforcement agencies can utilize to help officers prevent stress from worsening and to make it more manageable.
Police officer stress is heavily influenced by both internal and external factors. Requirements to adhere to standard operating procedures and, in turn, departmental policies and procedures were found to have an impact on officer stress. Officers believe their lack of influence on how police work is accomplished, as well as their lack of influence over departmental policies and procedures are significant sources of stress (Morash, Haarr, & Kwak, 2006, pp.34-36). They are also more likely to think agency personnel policies involving job assignments and discipline are unfair, correlating with burn-out (McCarty & Skogan, 2012, pp.66, 78).
Police Officers experience most of the same frustrations that people have in any job, from poor management issues to trying to juggle different duties to everyday nuances. Then there’s the stress of dealing with issues that you’re not so likely to experience when working any office based desk job. They might be some of the same reasons that make you love your job, but that doesn’t always make them any less stressful.
Police Health says that police stress is unique and includes factors such as stress inherent in police work, those caused by police practices and policies, and stress from the criminal justice system and wider society. They also say that women can be at risk of additional frustrations at work, due to factors such as disapproval from others. Police Health says that “Encouraging physical fitness, diet, relaxation, and feedback to cope with stress can also reduce the effect a continual negative environment causes.”
Exercise is an excellent form of stress relief. While it helps to keep up an overall good level of health, regular exercise can offer some extra benefits. When you exercise, it gets endorphins flowing, which puts you in a good mood and help you feel good about yourself.
Exercising can also give you some “me time” and helps you to forget about the things that are causing you stress, giving you something else to focus on for the duration of your session. If you’re not into meditation or mindfulness, exercise is a great way to clear your mind. By exercising regularly, you can improve your self-confidence, be more relaxed and start to sleep better too.
Statement of the problem
Stress plays a part in the lives of everyone. Some stress is not only inevitable, it can be good. For example, the physical stress of “working out” improves your cardiovascular system, and feeling pressure that causes you to study harder for an exam can improve your score. Police stress, however, refers to the negative pressures related to police work. Police officers are not super humans. According to Gail Goolkasian and others, research shows that they are affected by their daily exposure to human indecency and pain; that dealing with a suspicious and sometimes hostile public takes its toll on them; and that the shift changes, the long periods of boredom, and the ever-present danger that are part of police work do cause serious job stress. Based on this, the researcher wants to investigate the role of exercise and recreation in the management of Nigeria police work
Objective of the study
The objectives of the study are;
- To ascertain the role of exercise in managing stress in Nigeria police work
- To ascertain the effects of police officer stress management interventions on stress outcomes
- To recommend on how stress can be manage at Nigeria police work
Research hypotheses
For the successful completion of the study, the following research hypotheses were formulated by the researcher;
H0: there is no role of exercise in managing stress in Nigeria police work.
H1: there is role of exercise in managing stress in Nigeria police work.
H02: there are no effects of police officer stress management interventions on stress outcomes
H2: there are effects of police officer stress management interventions on stress outcomes
Significance of the study
Study will be very significant to students and Nigeria police force. The study will give an insight on the role of exercise and recreation in the management of Nigeria police work-place stress. The study will recommend on how to manage stress in police work. The study will serve as a reference to other researchers that will embark on the related topic
Scope and limitation of the study
The scope of the study covers the role of exercise and recreation in the management of Nigeria police work-place stress. The researcher encounters some constrain which limited the scope of the study;
- a) AVAILABILITY OF RESEARCH MATERIAL: The research material available to the researcher is insufficient, thereby limiting the study
- b) TIME: The time frame allocated to the study does not enhance wider coverage as the researcher has to combine other academic activities and examinations with the study
Definition of the terms
Exercise: Exercise is physical activity that is planned, structured and repetitive for the purpose of conditioning any part of the body used to improve health and maintain fitness. Generally you work up a sweat, breath heavy and increase your heart rate during exercise.
Recreation: activity done for enjoyment when one is not working.
Management stress: Stress management is a wide spectrum of techniques and psychotherapies aimed at controlling a person’s level of stress, especially chronic stress, usually for the purpose of and for the motive of improving everyday functioning.
Stress: Stress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension. It can come from any event or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, or nervous. Stress is your body’s reaction to a challenge or demand. In short bursts, stress can be positive, such as when it helps you avoid danger or meet a deadline.
Police officer: The full form of police department is Public Officer for Legal Investigations and Criminal Emergencies and is also referred to as Polite Obedient Loyal Intelligent Courageous Efficient.
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