Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Among Police Personnel in the Regional Mobile Force Battalion of Cagayan Valley: Basis for a Psychological Resilience and Mental Health Intervention Framework

Authors

  • Perpetua Ibarra-Tobias OASIS Psychonuero Testing Center Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64358/sih.v2i2.107

Keywords:

depression, anxiety, stress, police personnel, psychological intervention, occupational stress, mental health, resilience, lived experiences

Abstract

Police personnel are continuously exposed to occupational stressors that may significantly affect their psychological well-being and professional functioning. This study examined the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress among personnel of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) in the Cagayan Valley Region and determined whether significant differences existed when respondents were grouped according to profile variables. Furthermore, the study explored the lived emotional experiences of police personnel to develop a contextualized psychological intervention framework. The study employed an explanatory mixed-methods research design integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative data were gathered using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), while qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Statistical analyses included frequency counts, weighted mean, t-test, and one-way ANOVA. Qualitative data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis. Findings revealed moderate levels of anxiety and stress and mild levels of depression among respondents. Significant differences in emotional distress were identified according to age, length of service, marital status, rank, and frequency of field deployment. Qualitative findings generated themes including operational pressure and emotional exhaustion, emotional suppression and occupational resilience, family separation and psychological burden, and institutional support and mental health needs. Based on the findings, a Psychological Resilience and Mental Health Intervention Framework was developed focusing on psychological debriefing, peer support systems, resilience enhancement training, family-centered support initiatives, and institutional counseling mechanisms. The study underscores the necessity of responsive and culturally contextualized mental health programs for uniformed personnel in high-risk occupational environments.

References

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Published

2026-06-12

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 2 (2026): Studies in Interdisciplinary Horizons

Section

Articles

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