Citation

Chhabra M, Chhabra B. Police Pract. Res. 2013; 14(5): 355-370.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/15614263.2012.722782

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Stress, leading to suicides and homicides, is one of the major problems facing the Indian Border Security Force personnel. Tough working conditions, lack of basic amenities, long working hours, physical separation from the family, tight controls, and rigidly stratified hierarchies have been considered the reasons for the high level of stress. However, no formal study has been conducted to actually ascertain the various causes of stress in the BSF. The present study used the inputs provided by the personnel, of various ranks in the Force, at the field level to understand the causes of stress. The study also aimed to understand the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and occupational stress and found a negative correlation between the two. Finally, the study discusses various ways to reduce stress, including use of EI competencies, so as to improve the physical and psychological health of the BSF personnel and to improve the overall efficiency of the Force. © 2013 Taylor & Francis.

Language: en

Keywords

empathy; stress management; leadership; communication; emotional intelligence; occupational stress; Border Security Force; feedback; grievance redress; psychological strain