Publication Date
Spring 2026
Document Type
Research Paper
Primary Faculty (Chairperson)
Dr. Brenda Senger
Secondary Faculty
Dr. Carol Kottwitz
Abstract
Background: Police officers are routinely exposed to occupational stress and trauma, contributing to an increased risk of anxiety, depression, substance misuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Targeted mental health interventions are needed to proactively address their mental health. Purpose: This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project implemented and evaluated a mental health education and mindfulness program designed to reduce operational stress and increase knowledge and use of departmental mental health resources and mindfulness techniques among police officers. Methods: A pre–post intervention design was used over a 10-week period. Participants (n = 14) completed the Operational Police Stress Questionnaire (PSQ-Op) and binary-response surveys assessing knowledge and use of departmental mental health resources and mindfulness techniques before and after viewing educational video modules. Two groups completed pre-and post-assessments. An independent-samples t-test was used to analyze PSQ-Op scores, and descriptive statistics summarized survey responses. The intervention included education on stress and trauma effects on the brain; departmental resources (peer support, Law Enforcement Coaching (LEC), licensed mental health counselor, wellness room, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and the Cordico App); and guided mindfulness practices (mindful speaking, breathing, power of the mind, gratitude, and body scanning). Results: Post-intervention PSQ-Op scores were significantly lower (M = 33.00, SD = 6.16, n = 5)than pre-intervention scores (M = 72.22, SD = 23.85, n = 9), t(12) = 3.55, p = .004. All post-intervention participants scored below 40, indicating low operational stress. Awareness and engagement with at least one mental health resource and multiple mindfulness techniques increased, with 100% reporting use of mindful breathing and gratitude practices. Conclusion: The intervention may have been associated with a statistically and clinically meaningful reduction in operational stress and improved engagement with mental health resources and mindfulness strategies.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Young, Patricia Lynn, "Implementing and Evaluating a Mental Health Education and Mindfulness Program for Police Officers" (2026). Doctor of Nursing Practice. 16.
https://repository.gonzaga.edu/nursing_dnp/16
Supplemental Poster