An Empirical Study of Demographic factors, Neuroticism and Extraversion as Correlates of Psychological Well-being of Police Officers in Lagos State, Nigeria

Samson Akintayo; Emmanuel Ohanekwu; Toluwalase Adepoju; Emmanuel Yakubu

doi:10.59653/ijmars.v4i01.2064

Authors

Samson Akintayo University of Ibadan, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0009-0007-5333-9795
Emmanuel Ohanekwu University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Toluwalase Adepoju University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Emmanuel Yakubu University of Ibadan, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59653/ijmars.v4i01.2064

Keywords:

Psychological Wellbeing, Demography, Neuroticism, Extraversion

Abstract

Psychological well-being (PWB) is a complex, multi-dimensional concept that captures positive functioning and self-perception, life satisfaction beyond the absence of mental illness, emotional resilience and the capacity to cope with life's stressors but often overlooked when it comes to Police Officers as this Organization is an aspect of law enforcement, particularly in challenging contexts like Nigeria. It is against this backdrop that this study investigates the relationships between demographic factors, neuroticism, and extraversion as correlates of psychological well-being (PWB) among police officers in Lagos State, Nigeria. Utilizing a descriptive correlational research design, the study sampled 116 officers from five area commands using simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected using standardized instruments, including Ryff’s Brief Psychological Well-Being Scale (α = 0.86) and an adapted Neuroticism and Extraversion Scale (α = 0.72). Statistical analyses were conducted using t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation and multiple regression. The findings revealed no significant gender-based differences in PWB of Police Officers; t(114)= .1.392, p>0.05, significant age-related differences were observed among Police Officers’ PWB; F(2, 113) =3.76, p<0.05. Neuroticism and extraversion emerged as potent predictors of PWB, with neuroticism negatively associated and extraversion positively associated with mental health outcomes. The joint contributions of neuroticism and extraversion accounted for 34.7% of the variance in PWB, underscoring their critical roles in moderating stress and resilience in high-stress professions. The findings recommend among others that interventions to improve PWB should incorporate personality-focused strategies alongside broader systemic reforms. Also, fostering a supportive work environment and reducing stigma around mental health.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Akintayo, S. O., Dahir, A. H. & Arowobusoye, J. A. (2024). Leadership Styles and Emotional Intelligence as Predictors of Job Commitment among Non-Teaching Staff of the University of Ibadan. International Journal of Humanities, Social Sciences and Management. Vol. 4,(5), Oct., 2024, pp: 915-923.

Akinyemi, O., & Ibitoye, J. (2021). Occupational stress and mental health among law enforcement officers in Nigeria. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 26(1), 75-88.

Aldridge, T. R., & Gore, J. S. (2016). Linking personality traits with well-being: The influence of primary social roles. Psychological studies, 61, 233-244.

Aremu, A. O. (2009). Influence of multiple partners and use of contraceptives on the sexual behaviour of Nigerian police: some counselling implications. International Journal of Police Science & Management, 11(2), 160-169.

Aremu, A. O., & Oduola, O. Z. (2014). Public Perception and Job Performance Nexus Analytical Evidence from Nigerian Police. International Journal for Innovation Education and Research, 2(8), 114-132.

Basson, M. (2021). Coping, resilience, self-esteem and age as predictors of psychological well-being amongst undergraduate university students.

Brewin, C. R., Miller, J. K., Soffia, M., Peart, A., & Burchell, B. (2022). Posttraumatic stress disorder and complex posttraumatic stress disorder in UK police officers. Psychological medicine, 52(7), 1287-1295.

Burke, P. (2017). Popular culture in early modern Europe. Routledge.

Chaurasia, K. (2024). Psychological Well-being: Meaning, Characteristics. Education for well-being, 51.

Costa, P. T., & McCrae, R. R. (1985). The NEO Personality Inventory. Psychological Assessment, 5(2), 177–190.

Daus, C. S., & Joplin, J. R. (2000). Emotional intelligence in the workplace. Journal of Applied Psychology, 85(2), 409–421.

Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The" what" and" why" of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268.

Fredrickson, B. L., & Joiner, T. (2002). Positive emotions trigger upward spirals toward emotional well-being. Psychological Science, 13(2), 172-175.

Galanis, P., Fragkou, D., & Katsoulas, T. A. (2021). Risk factors for stress among police officers: A systematic literature review. Work, 68(4), 1255-1272.

Gullon-Scott, P., & Longstaff, L. (2024). The prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress and their relationship to length of service in the UK police force. The Police Journal, 97(1), 131-149.

Hao, R., Dong, H., Zhang, R., Li, P., Zhang, P., Zhang, M., & Hu, J. (2019). The relationship between neuroticism fit and general well-being: The mediating effect of psychological resilience. Frontiers in psychology, 10, 2219.

John, O. P., & Srivastava, S. (1999). The Big Five trait taxonomy. In Handbook of Personality: Theory and Research (2nd ed., pp. 102-138).

Lachman, M. E., & Agrigoroaei, S. (2010). Promoting functional health in midlife and old age: Long-term protective effects of control beliefs, social support, and physical exercise. PloS one, 5(10), e13297.

Martela, F., & Sheldon, K. M. (2019). Clarifying the concept of well-being: Psychological need satisfaction as the common core connecting eudaimonic and subjective well-being. Review of General Psychology, 23(4), 458-474.

Martin, R., Puhlik-Doris, P., & Larsen, S. (2003). Extraversion and social support as predictors of well-being in police officers. Canadian Journal of Police and Security Services, 7(3), 205-214.

Maslach, C., & Leiter, M. P. (2016). Understanding the burnout experience: Recent research and its implications for psychiatry. World Psychiatry, 15(2), 103-111.

Matud, M. P. (2004). Gender differences in stress and coping styles. Personality and individual differences, 37(7), 1401-1415.

McCrae, R. R., & Costa Jr, P. T. (1991). The NEO Personality Inventory: Using the five‐factor modeI in counseling. Journal of Counseling & Development, 69(4), 367-372. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1556-6676.1991.tb01524.x

Mumford, E., Waugh, C., & Lucas, T. (2015). Neuroticism and mental health among law enforcement professionals. Canadian Journal of Behavioral Science, 47(4), 342–350.

Nolen-Hoeksema, S. (2012). Emotion regulation and psychopathology: The role of gender. Annual review of clinical psychology, 8(1), 161-187.

Ogundele, A., & Alonge, T. (2019). Personality traits and resilience among Nigerian professionals in high-stress occupations. African Journal of Psychology, 40(3), 233-245.

Ojediran, A. O. (2022). Police officers’ well-being and the impact of occupational hazards. Lagos Journal of Psychological Studies, 10(1), 44–56.

Okon, E., & Okon, I. (2020). Mental health challenges in law enforcement: Perspectives from Nigeria. Journal of African Mental Health, 12(1), 55-64.

Ozer, D. J., & Benet-Martinez, V. (2006). Personality and the prediction of consequential outcomes. Annu. Rev. Psychol., 57(1), 401-421.

Ryff, C. D., & Singer, B. (2008). Know thyself and become what you are: A eudaimonic approach to psychological well-being. Journal of Happiness Studies, 9(1), 13-39.

Sarubin, N., Wolf, M., Giegling, I., Hilbert, S., Naumann, F., Gutt, D., ... & Padberg, F. (2015). Neuroticism and extraversion as mediators between positive/negative life events and resilience. Personality and Individual Differences, 82, 193-198.

Soto, C. J. (2015). Is happiness good for your personality? Concurrent and prospective relations of the big five with subjective well‐being. Journal of personality, 83(1), 45-55.

Thaddeus, L. B. (2024). The Mediating Role of Emotional Stability and Social Skills in Psychological Resilience Following Emotional Trauma. Studies in Psychological Science, 2(3), 26-34.

Turgoose, D., Glover, N., & Maddox, L. (2022). Burnout and the psychological impact of policing: Trends and coping strategies. Police psychology, 63-86.

Uche, B. & Abiodun, T. (2021). Personality and psychological well-being: A Nigerian perspective on occupational stressors in policing. Journal of African Personality Research, 23(3), 89–98.

Van der Velden, M. (2018). Digitalisation and the UN Sustainable Development Goals: What role for design. ID&A Interaction design & architecture (s), (37), 160-174.

Yu, M. N., Chang, Y. N., & Li, R. H. (2024). Relationships between Big Five Personality Traits and Psychological Well-Being: A Mediation Analysis of Social Support for University Students. Education Sciences, 14(10), 1050.

Zhang, F., Baranova, A., Zhou, C., Cao, H., Chen, J., Zhang, X., & Xu, M. (2021). Causal influences of neuroticism on mental health and cardiovascular disease. Human genetics, 140, 1267-1281.