OCCUPATIONAL BURNOUT AMONG LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS: PSYCHO-EMOTIONAL, ORGANIZATIONAL, AND SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The article explores the factors, consequences, and preventive strategies related to occupational burnout among law enforcement officers. The aim of the study is to identify the key psycho-emotional, organizational, and social determinants of burnout development in police personnel working under increased stress. The study employed general scientific methods of cognition: analysis, synthesis, comparison, systematization, interpretation, generalization. The findings reveal that the primary causes of burnout include excessive regulation of activities; high or vague job demands; instability in the work environment; and ongoing exposure to traumatic events. It has been proven that vulnerability to burnout increases among officers with low levels of social support; a tendency toward self-analysis; an introverted temperament; or fear of losing professional status. Burnout develops in stages –through the phases of tension, resistance, and exhaustion—and is accompanied by reduced personal accomplishment; cognitive impairments; depersonalization; and psychosomatic disorders. The consequences of burnout span psychological, physiological, social, and organizational domains. In particular, the study identifies apathy; anxiety; loss of empathy; sleep disturbances; cardiovascular symptoms; alienation; conflict-proneness; staff turnover; and reduced unit cohesion. Emphasis is placed on the importance of systemic prevention, which includes individual counseling; rehabilitation programs; development of personal resources; and supportive leadership. Special attention is given to positive international practices, where three-tier intervention models and legal recognition of burnout as an occupational risk are implemented. The practical value of the study lies in the development of a comprehensive, multi-level prevention system tailored to the working conditions of Ukrainian law enforcement personnel.