Coping, stress and suicide ideation in the South African Police Services in the Eastern Cape

Abstract

The suicide rate in the South African Police Services is relatively high compared with other suicide statistics. The objective of this study was to investigate relationships between coping, stress and suicide ideation within the SAPS in the Eastern Cape. A cross-sectional survey design was used. The study population consisted of 307 uniformed police members from the job level of constable to that of senior superintendent in the Eastern Cape. The COPE Questionnaire, Police Stress Inventory, Adult Suicide Ideation Questionnaire and a Biographical Questionnaire were administrated. Statistical analysis was carried out with the SAS-programme. Cronbach alpha coefficients, inter-item correlations and confirmatory factor analysis were done to assess the reliability and validity of the measuring instruments. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. T-tests and one-way analysis of variance were used to determine differences between the sub-groups in the sample. A discriminant analysis was carried out to determine which combination of independent variables could be used to classify, police members into groups who obtained low versus high suicide ideation scores. The results indicate that almost 5% of the uniformed police members had significant suicide ideation levels. A positive correlation between passive coping and suicide ideation was found. Furthermore, passive coping shows a positive correlation with job demands. The results showed that lack of resources was the stressor with the highest intensity and frequency. The results also indicate that suicide attempts, passive coping, medical conditions, alcohol abuse, problem-focused coping and police stressors could be used to classify police members into groups of low and high suicide ideation. The recommendations for the organisation and future research were made.