Examining explanations for differences in exhaustion and depersonalization between Black and White officers

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine whether differences in occupational burnout between Black and White officers can be explained by differences in areas of worklife and differences in indicators of reform.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a modified version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory, information on emotional exhaustion and depersonalization was collected from 910 Black and 8,240 White officers through the National Police Research Platform. Structural equation models with bootstrapped confidence intervals were used to test mediation hypotheses and estimate indirect effects.

Findings

Black officers reported significantly less emotional exhaustion and depersonalization than White officers. Approximately 46% of the difference in emotional exhaustion between Black and White officers was accounted for by workload, workplace control, job satisfaction, alignment with agency values, inclusivity in the department, and the rejection of a hostile mindset toward the community. Approximately 28% of the difference in depersonalization was accounted for by workload, workplace control, job satisfaction, alignment with agency values, and the rejection of a hostile mindset.

Originality/value

This study reinforces research that demonstrates that Black officers report less emotional exhaustion and depersonalization than White officers and shows that some but not all differences in burnout can be accounted for by racial differences in areas of worklife and the rejection of a hostile mindset toward the community. More research should be focused on occupational stress in law enforcement and how Black officers are adapting to and thriving in the policing profession.

Citation

Powell, C.E. and Schuck, A.M. (2022), "Examining explanations for differences in exhaustion and depersonalization between Black and White officers", Policing: An International Journal, Vol. 45 No. 6, pp. 1008-1022. https://doi.org/10.1108/PIJPSM-03-2022-0045