Under the Spotlight: The Impact of Mass Media Coverage on Police Officers’ Stress Levels and Perceptions of Departmental Support

Date of Submission

4-9-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Department

Criminal Justice

Advisor

Caroline Jalain, Ph.D.

Keywords

Police Officers, Media, Stress, Mental Health, Departmental Resources

LCSH

Police, Police in mass media, Police--Job stress, Mental health services

Abstract

This descriptive study analyzed the impact of high-profile police incidents with heavy mass media attention on the 17 police officers in this sample. Survey questions assessed how the officers were affected psychologically by the media and its coverage of especially intense police-related events. Participants were also asked about the presence of and satisfaction with the mental health resources offered in their respective departments. Descriptive statistics and frequencies were computed to answer four research questions. Results showed that the sample’s overall perception of recent police-related media portrayals was negative. Media exposure emerged as a significant source of stress for officers on and off the job, but most of the sample had yet to utilize their department’s mental health resources and expressed a minimal likelihood of usage. This research brings awareness to the media as a notable police stressor and supports initiatives that encourage police officers to seek mental health support while dispelling the stigmas within police culture. The results suggest that police departments would benefit greatly by fostering an environment that normalizes seeking mental health support.

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