The effect of mindfulness-based interventions on stress and mental health outcomes among police officers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The high demands of policing frequently result in stress, negatively impacting police officers’ mental health. Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) have been increasingly recognised as effective for reducing stress in police. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of MBIs on stress and mental health outcomes in police. Eleven studies were included, with a total of 967 participants. Both within- and between-group analyses demonstrated small to moderate effects of MBIs for reducing overall stress and improving mental health at post-intervention. These effects endured at follow-up for within-group comparisons. Between-group analyses showed MBIs had a small effect on overall mental health at follow-up in comparison to the control groups, however no significant effects on overall stress were detected at follow-up. MBIs may have a positive cumulative impact on stress and mental health, providing preliminary support for policing organisations to integrate MBIs into existing occupational health policy frameworks.

Police Practice and Research

Police Practice and Research

27

1477-271X

N/A

1

33