Psychosocial factors influencing psychological wellbeing of South African state security forces: an exploratory study
Date
2016-12
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH SUMMARY : A study of the available literature on psychological wellbeing of South African state security forces revealed that a considerable gap exists for further research. The work environment of soldiers and police officers exposes them to conditions, which are known to generate negative job attitudes and various occupational stressors, which can influence their psychological wellbeing. Thus it is assumed that those psychosocial factors could negatively or positive influence psychological wellbeing. There is also a possibility that positive resources, such as hope, resilience, self-efficacy and optimism, could increase the capacity of members to manage the degree to which psychosocial factors influence psychological wellbeing. On this basis, it became clear that the relationship between psychosocial factors and psychological wellbeing, with psychological capital as a moderator could be researched.
Utilising the South African National Defence Force and the South African Police Service, the present study aimed to explore the relationship between the psychosocial factors (job satisfaction, job involvement, organisational commitment, general stress, role ambiguity, relationships, workload, autonomy, work–home interface, career advancement, job security, tools and equipment) and psychological wellbeing. Quantitative research was used to obtain more clarity about the identified psychosocial factors and psychological wellbeing. The research sample consisted of a combined sample of 178 soldiers and police officers.
Existing and reliable instruments measuring job satisfaction, organisational commitment, job involvement, occupational stressors, psychological capital and psychological wellbeing were completed by the participants. Correlation analysis was undertaken to determine the relationships between the different latent variables and psychological wellbeing. Partial least square analysis was undertaken to test the proposed model. The results revealed significant positive relationships between job satisfaction, organisational commitment and psychological wellbeing. Significant negative relationships were found between the various latent variables of occupational stress, however negligible results were found between career advancement, tools and equipment and psychological wellbeing. Partial least square analysis results indicated that psychological capital moderated the relationship between occupational stress and psychological wellbeing.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING : Geen opsomming beskikbaar.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING : Geen opsomming beskikbaar.
Description
Thesis (MCom)-- Stellenbosch University, 2016.
Keywords
Psychological well-being, South Africa -- National Defence Force, Work environment -- Psychological aspects, Police -- South Africa, UCTD