Well-being of Police Officers at the Ceará Shock Policing Complex
Well-being; Work engagement; Confirmatory Factor Analysis; Riot Policing.
Currently, the study of well-being has gained increasing prominence, especially in high-demand, high-risk professions such as military police, where working conditions impose intense physical and emotional challenges that directly affect these professionals' quality of life. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the psychological well-being of military police officers from the Ceará Shock Policing Complex by assessing key psychological variables such as self-efficacy, locus of control, work engagement, and coping strategies. Data were collected from 194 officers. The following data collection instruments were used: the Perceived General Self-Efficacy Scale, the Levenson Locus of Control Scale, the Engagement Scale, and the Toulousian Coping Scale, all adapted for the Brazilian population. Advanced statistical analyses, including Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), demonstrated the suitability and validity of these tools in the policing context. The results indicated high levels of self-efficacy, internal locus of control, and engagement, with emphasis on the vigor dimension, which reflects energy and resilience. The predominance of adaptive coping strategies, such as seeking social support and control, suggests that police officers use effective mechanisms to cope with stress. The SEM revealed a significant positive influence of self-efficacy and coping (Control) and a significant negative influence of coping (Conversion) on engagement (Vigor). Regarding engagement (Absorption), a significant positive influence was observed for both self-efficacy and social distraction, the latter result being worthy of further consideration. Regarding stressors, operational risks, family conflicts, and financial difficulties stood out as the most cited by police officers. This study reinforces the need to strengthen personal resources and promote adaptive coping strategies to improve the well-being and mental health of military police officers. It is also recommended that institutions develop policies and practices that prioritize ongoing psychological health care, along with investment in training and preparation to deal with the challenges associated with their work. This work contributes to understanding the psychological specificities of working in special police units, highlighting the importance of public policies and interventions that meet the unique demands of these officers and promote their quality of life and professional performance.